COMPANION PLANTS

Agapetes are evergreen shrubs related to blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) but with larger and showier flowers. This is a white‑flowered species with blue‑green new foliage on long and arching, densely hairy stems. The pendulous tubular white flowers have green tips and are followed by red “blueberries”. We have had this outside for a few years, so it appears to be relatively hardy for this genus. This species is very similar in appearance to A. malipoensis but smaller‑growing and with smaller leaves.

Agapetes are evergreen shrubs related to blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) but with larger and showier flowers. This is a stunning species which features beautiful foliage and flowers. The long arching stems are a bit more upright and stiff than most of the other Agapetes we grow. The broadly lanceolate leaves are up to four inches in length with strongly toothed margins. They are quite glossy and very bullate with deeply impressed veins. The striking pendant flowers of deep yellow hang in clusters from the leaf axils in late summer. A fantastic new introduction. Best in a hanging wire/moss basket or in an old stump or log in milder regions.

Agapetes are evergreen shrubs related to blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) but with larger and showier flowers. This is a plant known in the trade as a selected form or hybrid of Agapetes serpens. We finally obtained cuttings a few years ago only to realize it is simply a very typical form of the lovely Agapetes hosseana, a species which we were already growing from seed collected wild in northern Thailand. This species has small, glossy and deep green, rounded–elliptic leaves arranged along long arching pendulous stems. The beautiful and interesting, narrowly tubular red flowers hang in clusters along the pendulous stems. The red flowers are highlighted by the brilliant deep green corolla lobes. Agapetes are epiphytic in the wild and best in a hanging basket or on an old stump.

A stunning species we first introduced into cultivation in 2005. The long arching stems are lined with small and glossy pointed leaves. The striking pendant flowers of deep red tipped with bright green hang in clusters from the leaf axils over a long season from winter into early spring. These are followed by glossy “blueberries” of darkest red that look more like ripe cherries! A fantastic new introduction. Best in a hanging wire/moss basket or in an old stump or log in milder regions.   

Agapetes are evergreen shrubs related to blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) but with larger and showier flowers. This is an evergreen epiphytic shrub from the cloud forests of Asia. This species is more compact in growth than many of its epiphytic relatives. Glossy and small rounded leaves along the stems for a very dense habit and appearance. This unusual species has white tubular flowers enclosed by large, rounded and showy, colorful bracts. Very distinct. This species has been hardy for us for many years in the open garden.

Agapetes are evergreen shrubs related to blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) but with larger and showier flowers. This is an epiphytic evergreen shrub with small, glossy and deep green pointed leaves arranged along long arching stems. Beautiful and interesting tubular bright red flowers lined with darker red chevrons hang in clusters along the pendulous stems. Epiphytic in the wild and best in a hanging basket or on an old stump. Somewhat drought tolerant once established and it is best to strongly pinch it back for the first couple of years. Native to the eastern Himalaya where it grows from the branches of large rhododendrons and other trees. A very fine and distinct ornamental. This is a selection from the wild that differs from the original introduction that has been widely grown around the world for many years. This new selection has large and very deeply colored blood‑red flowers that are much more “inflated” in shape (vs. the typical narrow tube). Quite distinct and a really spectacular new addition to our palette of Agapetes species and hybrids.

Agapetes are evergreen shrubs related to blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) but with larger and showier flowers. This is an epiphytic evergreen shrub with small rounded, glossy and deep green leaves arranged along long arching stems. Deep yellow, urn‑shaped flowers hang in clusters from late winter through mid‑spring. Requires excellent drainage and makes a great display in a moss‑lined hanging basket. This variety occurs in the eastern Himalaya to the west of var. major which is the variety we normally offer. It differs from var. major in its more bullate foliage and slightly smaller flowers.