How to Grow Agapanthus Plants in your Garden

Agapanthus Plant Growing and Care Guide

• Common Names: African Lily, Lily of the Nile Plant, Blue Lily.
• Main Species: Agapanthus africanus; Agapanthus campanulatus; Agapanthus caulescens; Agapanthus coddii; Agapanthus inapertus; and Agapanthus praecox.
• Cultivars: There are hundreds of Agapanthus cultivars and hybrids available, examples include 'Albovittatus', 'Bressingham White', 'Liliput', 'Loch Hope', 'Northern Star', 'Purple Cloud', and the Agapanthus Headbourne hybrids.
• Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
• Height: 24 to 48 inches (60—120 cm).
• Native: Southern Africa.
• Growing Region: Zones 8 to 10, grow in containers in cooler areas.
• Flowers: Summer.
• Flower Details: Blue, purple, white. Funnel-shaped. Pseudo umbel of up to 100 tiny florets.
• Foliage: Herbaceous. Monocot. Basal leaves. Linear/strap-like, curved. Up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length.
• Grow Outside::
  Seeds: Cover seed. Following the last frost. Seed grown plants typically take four years to first bloom.
  Bulbs: 2 inches (5 cm). Pointy end up. Cover with soil and then firm it. Plant Agapanthus bulbs in the spring once the temperature has reached 55°F (13°C). As bulbs will not start to grow until they reach this temperature they may be subject to rot if planted too early.
• Sow Inside: Germination time: three weeks to three months. Temperature: 60 to 70°F (15—21°C). Space at 18 to 24 inches (45—60 cm).
• Requirements and care: Full sunlight for best results, or partial shade (Do not plant new crowns in the shade). Good drainage (drainage can be improved by adding sand or rotted manure). Moist soil. Regular watering. Fertilize once a fortnight. Deadhead to encourage longer blooming. Once blooming has finished do not cut back foliage and provide light watering. Yellow, decaying foliage can be removed when it appears. Use a dry mulch (straw/sand) or in colder areas, lift bulbs from containers, trenches before the first frost and bring inside, store in trays of dry sand in an area that is free of frost.
• Family:
• Closely Related Species:
• Miscellaneous: Named after the Greek words for love (agape) and flower (anthos). Invasive species in many areas, considered a weed in New Zealand.