Caudiciform

Agapetes serpens 4" pot

$15.00

Himalayan Lantern. Rare evergreen shrub with arching branches and shiny, dark green leaves. Bright red, bell-shaped flowers dangle from the branches almost constantly. The name comes from the Greek word agapetos which means "beloved" or "desirable." A parent of the lovely Agapetes 'Ludgvan Cross.' Even develops a swollen, woody base for those of us who love caudiciforms!

Since this gorgeous rarity is native to the mild foothills of the Himalayas, it won't tolerate extremes in temperatures.

(Ericaceae)

Photos courtesy of Zeynel Cebeci

Light: Part shade

Water: Moist, but make sure that it isn't sitting in water. Likes light, well-drained soil whether it is in the ground or grown in a pot.

Soil: Light mix with plenty of organic matter

Fertilizer: Slow release fertilizer for acid-loving plants (such as is sold for Rhododendrons)

Hardiness: USDA Zone 9. Agapetes likes mild, cool summers, so it won't grow well in areas with very hot weather in the summer. Can tolerate a mild frost.

Category: attracts hummingbirds, caudex, caudiciform, container, evergreen, full sun, hanging basket, heat sensitive, Miscellaneous, part shade, red, salmon, showy, shrub, zone 9