Agapanthus
Clump forming, fleshy rooted perennial, mainly
from South Africa. Plants are tender to semi-hardy,
so can be damaged by frost and will therefore need
a sunny sheltered position or indoor winter protection. In
general, the narrow leaved forms are frost hardy and
the broad leaved varieties are half hardy.
Family: Agapanthaceae
Botanical Name: Agapanthus
Common Name: African lily
Foliage: Green narrow strap like leaves. Some
species are evergreen.
Flowers: Loose balls or clusters of
trumpet-shaped blooms, born on erect stems high above
the foliage. Violet, blue or white (depending on variety).
Flowering Period: July, August, September.
Soil: Well drained, fertile soil.
Any pH. Dislikes waterlogged conditions, especially
in winter.
Conditions: Full sun, south or west
facing, sheltered. Will tolerate some
shade for part of the day.
Habit: Clump forming.
Type: Herbaceous perennial.
Hardiness: Half-hardy deciduous to
hardy evergreen (depending on variety).
Planting and Growing Agapanthus
Easy to grow. Plant in spring or early autumn. Plant in a fertile well drained soil, in a sunny but sheltered position. Bury the crowns about 2 in (50cm) below ground level. Water well during the growing and flowering season. Do not disturb once established.
Ideal as a border edging plant or grown in pots and tubs.
Taking Care of Agapanthus
Cut back flower stems to ground level after flowering. Divide mature clumps every five or six years.
In cold areas, give hardy varieties some protection in winter by covering the crown with coarse sand, mulch or bracken. Grow half-hardy varieties in pots and over winter under cover.
Pruning Agapanthus
Cut back flowering stems once flowers have faded.
Pests and Diseases
Generally pest and disease free.
Propagating Agapanthus
Increase stock by dividing mature clumps in spring. Can also be raised from seed in the autumn.
Popular Varieties of Agapanthus Grown in the UK
Evergreen and deciduous varieties are available. Colours range from pale blue to deep violet and white. The 'Headbourne Hybrids' are the hardiest type grown in the UK.
A.
africanus deep blue flowers
late summer, deciduous broad dark green leaves. Half-hardy.
Height 3ft (1m) spread 1.5ft (50cm).
A. africanus albus a
white flowered version. Half-hardy.
Height: 3ft (1m), spread: 1.5ft (50cm).
A. 'Headbourne Hybrids' violet
to pale blue flowers from July to September. Height
& spread: 2ft (60cm).
A. campanulatus blue flowers on strong stems, July - August. Narrow greyish green leaves. Height: 2ft (60cm), spread: 1.5ft (45cm).
A. orientalis vivid blue flower heads from July to September. White and double forms also available. Height Height: 2ft (60cm), spread: 1.5ft (45cm).