ARCHIVE

Agapetes are evergreen shrubs related to blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) but with larger and showier flowers. This is an epiphytic evergreen shrub native to the temperate rainforests of the eastern Himalaya. This species features much larger leaves and flowers than any other species we have seen or grown here at the RSBG. The large ovate leaves with a prominent midrib are up to six inches long on long arching stems from a large basal lignotuber (a woody, water storage organ). In late summer the pendulous tubular flowers appear in large hanging clusters of up to 20 flowers per cluster. These hang below the leaves and are deep pink with darker pink chevrons and deep green lobe tips on the ends of the corolla tubes. Each flower is around 4 cm in length! Easily the most stunning of any Agapetes we have grown or offered.

An interesting and beautiful “linking” or intermediate species between these two admittedly closely related genera. This has urn‑shaped, bright white flowers with strongly contrasting red corolla margins followed by pure white “blueberries”. Shiny and deeply rugose tiny and rounded leaves on long arching, hairy stems. A staff favorite and destined to inspire one of the world’s greatest selling earrings when the appropriately skilled artisan can be located. Great in a clay container or moss‑lined basket.

A fantastic woodland perennial “Jack‑in‑the‑Pulpit.” This is a large species that can reach 4–5 ft. in height if provided with good soil and plenty of water during the growing season. The stem is mottled purple‑brown and the whorled leaves are shiny and have a long terminal “drip tip.” The deep reddish‑chocolate and glossy “hood” of the spathe appears below the narrow leaves. One of the easiest and most ornamental of the jack‑in‑the‑pulpits. Best in woodland conditions and soil (similar culture to trilliums, hostas, etc.).

Another stunning and intriguing genus in the Araliaceae (ginsengs, scheffleras, aralias, etc.). This has the general appearance of a Schefflera species (an evergreen shrub or small tree with very large and ornamental leaves). This species features thorny stems and large and palmate, deeply lobed leaves with jagged margins. The flowers of Brassaiopsis are typically borne in long and pendulous chains of small “golf ball‑like” clusters but I have not seen this particular species in flower. Native to lower elevation forests in the Sino‑Himalaya and probably best as a container plant in areas prone to colder temps (less than 20 F?).

An Award of Garden Merit selection with large “formal double” flowers (no mass of stamens in the middle and the petals are very geometrically arranged) in mid‑spring. The outer petals of the flowers are deep pink fading to pale pink and then white as you get closer to the center of the blossom. One of our favorites in the garden and rarely offered for sale.

A famous and very beautiful camellia with large and clear pink, “formal double” flowers (no mass of stamens in the middle and the petals are very geometrically arranged) in mid‑spring. This is a williamsii hybrid and so the flowers drop off once they have finished. One of our favorites in the garden and rarely offered for sale.

This cultivar is one of the very few camellias (out of hundreds) with fragrant flowers. This selection features very large fragrant white flowers that age to pale pink and finally a deep pink before falling (the entire flower falls off). A large boss of yellow stamens completes the package. Easy and best in light shade due to the relatively late blooming season (June in the RSBG).