Last updated on January 26th, 2022
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Agapanthus Care
This exotic-looking plant with vibrant flowers is one of the most beautiful perennial garden plants. Originating from South Africa, they produce strapped leaves and give a stunning display of often blue, white or violet coloured flowers. It is also commonly known as an ‘African Lily’. This perennial plant is available as evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous varieties. The latter usually being fully hardy, whereas evergreen varieties are often half-hardy and so will require some winter protection to protect them from frost.
Agapanthus looks particularly stunning when planted in patio pots where they can be moved to sunny focal positions on patio or decking areas. They grow well in pots and more tender varieties are often best grown in pots so that they can be moved into a cold greenhouse or conservatory over the winter, giving them protection from the frost.
The stunning ball-shaped flowers are produced from around June onwards and can last well into August. When planted in borders they can look very attractive and make quite a show when planted in large clumps.
Growing Agapanthus
Agapanthus prefers good quality, well-drained soil or compost that is moisture retentive and thrives in a sunny spot in the garden. They are best planted in a more sheltered position to give them some protection from the frost during winter. They are well known for growing well in coastal locations but will thrive in any garden given the right conditions.
Many gardeners think that Agapanthus prefers to be root-bound in pots but this is actually not quite the case. Although they do like to have tight root systems, being root bound can cause a lack of flowers, just as a lack of water during the growing season can also reduce flowering.
When planting Agapanthus in beds and borders, it is best to choose hardier varieties that are usually deciduous and die back for the winter. Once they begin to grow again in spring, water regularly to keep the soil moist before reducing watering in winter.
In Autumn, after flowering, add a thick layer of mulch (approximately 6 inches thick around the base of plants). This helps to retain the moisture and protect the roots from frost. Next, add a good layer of straw over the top of the plants because this will protect them over winter and simply remove the straw when they shoot again in early spring.
Growing Agapanthus in pots
These make excellent plants to grow in pots as they are very easy to grow. Any varieties can be grown in pots but it can be the perfect excuse to grow one of the more tender cultivars, these are no less stunning in appearance.
When planting in pots they can grow best when planted in lots of three, (three plants in one pot). This will give the best show of flowers and the most beautiful display. It is always a good idea to stand your pot on legs or bricks to keep the pot off the floor to stop the holes from getting blocked.
1. Add a layer of broken pot or stone to the bottom of the pot, this will ensure the holes in the pots do not become blocked by compost and the compost remains free-draining.
2. Fill the pots with a good quality soil-based compost, John Innes No.3 potting compost is perfect.
3. Plant the Agapanthus into the pot to the same soil level as they were in the original pots.
4. Water well and place in a sunny position.
Pruning Agapanthus
They require very little pruning, after flowering (which is usually sometime after August) simply cut the old flower stalks back to the base of the plant.
Propagating Agapanthus
Propagating Agapanthus is fairly easy and is best done by dividing the plants, this can be done in autumn after flowering or in spring. Simply split the plants with a spade, ensuring that each clump has two or three growing points, take up as much soil and root as possible and move to a new position. The same can be done with plants grown in containers. You should only divide established plants every 4-6 years.
Growing Agapanthus from seed
Growing them from seed is a lot more work and plants will take two to three years to flower but it is a fairly simple process. Seeds should only be sown with species cultivars as they are the only ones that will grow true to seed, meaning the same variety as the plant you took the seed from.
Take the seed pods off the plants after flowering and allow them to dry out. Remove the seeds from the pods and store them in a dry, cool place. Sow in spring, they need temperatures of 15°C (55°-59°F) to germinate. Store plants in a cold frame or cold greenhouse for the first winter before planting them in their final positions.
Agapanthus problems
They are generally problem-free and are rarely affected by pests or diseases, however, gardeners do have problems with a lack of flowers or even worse, none appearing at all.
Agapanthus not flowering
One problem they are known for is sometimes they produce nice healthy foliage but no flowers. This is usually caused by a lack of water during the growing season although winter damage can also cause a lack of flowers as well. Lack of sun is also another reason you may have a poor flowering plant.
Follow these tips to help promote flowering
- Water regularly from spring when the new foliage emerges and keep the soil moist but not too wet.
- Provide winter protection to protect plants from cold weather. Wrap the pots in bubble wrap, move plants in pots into a cold greenhouse or conservatory. Mulch plants in the garden and cover with straw or fleece.
- Split plants in autumn (every 4-6 years) to provide more space for them. This has the added benefit of having more plants.
- Too much shade can cause a lack of flowering, so sunnier positions are ideal.
- Lack of water after flowering can also cause a lack of flowers the following year.
