Agapetes pyrolifolia SEH#1511
This Rhododendron relative represents just one of the many, and definitely one of the finest, species in this large genus that we have introduced into cultivation. Agapetes can be thought of basically as epiphytic, evergreen blueberries with flashy flowers that occur primarily in the temperate rainforests of the Sino-Himalaya. This species was collected by me in 2000 from the diverse and lush forests covering the mountains that line the Salween River on the Yunnan-Burma border. As an epiphyte with long and arching stems, it is best grown and displayed in a hanging basket or, in climates milder than the Pacific NW, on old stumps and logs. It begins to flower in very early winter and adds a bright and distinguished splash of color to an otherwise rather dull time of year. At my home in Seattle, a large plant grown in a moss-lined basket that hangs outdoors from my garden shed roof stays outside in all but the worst of our winter weather. It begins to show flower color in December, a much deeper and brighter red due to light and temperature differences compared with the “soft” conditions experienced in our greenhouses, and the flowers hang on well into April most years.
This species, and several other Agapetes, can be observed growing beautifully in the Rutherford Conservatory at the RSBG.