COMPANION PLANTS

Agapetes are evergreen shrubs related to blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) but with larger and showier flowers. This is an epiphytic evergreen shrub with pendulous and arching, bristly stems and bright red new growth. The small, smooth leaves are ovate and slightly toothed and the tubular flowers are a pleasant solid rose‑red. New to cultivation and a great addition to the palette of Agapetes species in cultivation.

Agapetes are evergreen shrubs related to blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) but with larger and showier flowers. This species is an epiphytic evergreen shrub native to the temperate rainforests of the eastern Himalaya. This is an arching plant with bright pink-purple new growth. The small, very rugose and glossy leaves are ovate and slightly toothed and the tubular flowers which hang in clusters range from pink (indoor cultivation) to almost red (colder temps outside) with bright green tips. New to cultivation and a great addition to the palette of Agapetes species in cultivation.

Agapetes are evergreen shrubs related to blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) but with larger and showier flowers. This epiphytic evergreen shrub is a new introduction from the temperate rainforests of the eastern Himalaya. The smooth leaves are narrowly elliptic and about two to three inches in length. The tubular flowers are dark yellow with contrasting dark red‑purple chevrons on the tube, all highlighted by a large and dark red, very showy calyx. New to cultivation and a great addition to the palette of Agapetes species in cultivation. 

A seldom-grown relative of the familiar Bog Rosemary – Andromeda polifolia. This species is similar but with glaucous, broadly elliptic foliage on a dense, mat forming, very dwarf and slowly spreading, evergreen groundcover only a few inches in height. Pink pitcher-shaped flowers in clusters at the ends of the shoots in mid-spring. Best in a moist soil in full sun. Native to bogs, lakeshores and other moist areas from Greenland south to the northern USA (east of the Mississippi).   

This is a widespread and variable species of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, native to much of eastern Asia including Russia, China and Korea. It features green flowers, typically striped with white or purple. A very hardy and easily grown species. This is our first offering of this excellent woodland wildflower. Blooming size plants.

A large and bold perennial arising from an underground tuberous rhizome in late spring. This is a magnificent plant in the landscape, with a large whorl of 10 to 20 leaflets atop a tall stem up to four feet in height. The leaves are dark green and sometimes marked with silver. The amazing flowers are the typical spathe and spadix which distinguishes this family of plants. In this particular species, the spathe is greenish with a long and narrow pendulous tip. The protruding, knob‑like spadix is also green. Blooms in mid‑ to late summer. Plant the tubers two or three inches down (deeper in colder climates) in a moist and organic soil with good drainage. A stunning accent in the woodland garden or as a companion to rhododendrons. Spectacular tropical effect once established, especially when planted in groups. Native to China where it occurs in a wide variety of habitats.

This woodland perennial “Jack‑in‑the‑Pulpit” has to be seen to be believed. The deep purple glossy “hood” of the spathe surrounds the pure glistening white of the club‑like spadix – a striking color combination. The plant rises to around one or two feet in height in early spring from an underground, tuber‑like structure. In addition to the “out of this world” flowers, the foliage is often marked with silver streaking. Best in woodland conditions and soil (similar culture to trilliums, hostas, etc.).

A member of the Gesneriaceae (African Violet family) that is endemic to the temperate rain forests of coastal Chile and adjacent Argentina. This is a very rarely offered creeping/climbing epiphytic, very delicate and slow-growing “vine” (I really hesitate to use that word). Best in a hanging basket or in a cool greenhouse. Requires shade and a well-drained but organic soil, preferably with good humidity – not a plant for a hot or sunny location. The small rounded leaves are hairy with coarse teeth and the large and showy tubular flowers flare out strongly at the mouth. These are rich raspberry-pink in color and appear in mid-summer. A hummingbird favorite.