The Himalayan Lantern
Agapetes serpens is commonly Red Lanterns and Himalayan lantern an evergreen shrub native to the Himalayas, China and South East Asia. Agapetes prefer a humus rich moist but well drained soil and part shade.
This ornamental plant is prized for its showy red flowers that bloom in late-spring to early-summer, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add color and interest to their landscape.
Also known as the ‘Himalayan Lantern’, and with attractive bright red flowers on arching stems can be used in a hanging basket, container grown or even trained as a weeping standard plant.
Very attractive to nectar loving birds and preferring a slightly acidic soil the flowers in winter to spring are appreciated in many gardens.
With its weeping habit you can grow these colorful plants in a hanging basket or a container or with a little work turn it into an interesting standard.
A wonderful aspect are the pretty pale mauve berries that form after the flowers, looking like glistening pearls they are an attractive addition.
The thickened base of Agapetes serpens x rugosum forms a textured caudex over time, another feature.
A. serpens ‘Nepal cream’ is a cultivar with pretty cream flowers, as far as we know not available in Australia at present.
How to Grow Agapetes Serpens
If you are interested in growing Agapetes serpens in your garden, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure its success.
This plant thrives in mild to warm temperate climates zones, and prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
This is an epiphytic plant that produces a lignotuber, its root system is shallow and with its arching habit it can be grown in hanging baskets if pruned.
- Choose a sunny position with light afternoon shade.
- Best in a humus rich well drained soil.
- When planting Agapetes serpens, be sure to provide adequate spacing between plants to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
- Plant with the root system just below the surface to avoid root problems.
- Water regularly during hot dry periods.
- Protect from hot drying winds and hit summer sun.
In shade the foliage will be a green colour, in sun it tends towards red.
Pruning Agapetes serpens
Little to no pruning is required, a humus rich moist well drained soil with a little shelter from hot sun and drying winds. Mulch well and water in dry periods. Propagation is from seed or cuttings.
Agapetes serpens Summary description
- Botanical Name – Agapetes serpens
- Common Names – Himalayan Lantern
- Genus: Agapetes
- Family – Ericaceae
- Origins – China to South east Asia – Himalayas
- Height – .8m
- Width – 1m
- Position – Part shade
- Soil – Humus reach well drained
- Growth Rate – Slow to Medium
- Flowers – Scarlet red
- Flowering Time – Winter to spring
- Frost tolerance – Poor
- Drought Tolerant – No
Agapetes serpens are available for sale from the following nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
Agapetes are related the vaccinium family, cranberries blueberries, bilberry, lingonberry, and huckleberry and all are members of the wider ericaceae family which takes in the heaths and heathers as well. As such they do prefer a slightly acidic soil.
Other Species include :
- Agapetes sempervirens,
- Agapetes ‘Ludgvan Cross
- Agapetes meiniana is the only Australian Agapetes