Agapetes serpens (Wight) Sleumer A scrambling or pendulous shrub with long bristly shoots, small leaves and red flowers barred with crimson, native of E Nepal to Bhutan and N Assam, growing on mossy banks or as an epiphyte in the forest at 1500–3000m, flowering in February–June. Rootstock a woody tuber; stems to 2m; leaves 1.5–2.2cm long, lanceolate to oblong-ovate. Flowers 2.5cm long. ‘Nepal Cream’ introduced by Roy Lancaster has pale yellowish flowers. Easily grown, but tender; grows well in a pot or hanging basket, put out in a shady place in summer.
Cultivation Grow in slightly acid, leafy soil, cool shade, damp, and humidity, such as occur in mild coastal areas or in the hills.
Height to 2m (6 ½ft). USZ 10–11, surviving -1°C (30°F) of overnight frost. Needs moisture and rain in summer.