With architectural stems holding dramatic bursts of flowers over summer, Agapanthus are the perfect perennial for adding height and structure to mixed planting borders and containers. These South African natives love well drained soil and full sun, and cope well in coastal winds and salty air. The beautiful blooms come in various shades of blue, although white and purple varieties are also available. Plant Agapanthus in a mixed arrangement with orange Geums, airy grasses and rich Sedums for a low maintenance rainbow display.
Agapanthus Planting and Care
Plant your Agapanthus in a sunny and well draining site, making sure to plant at the existing depth of soil in the pot. Most problems arise when the ground is too wet, so if you are unable to offer the right conditions they are happy to grow in containers. Contrary to traditionally held beliefs, although the roots like to be restricted in a container, they do not flower well once too root-bound. Repot into a slightly larger container every two to three years, to allow just enough new space for the roots to spread. Container planting also has the added benefit of allowing you to move the plant to a sheltered location if the site suffers from particularly bad winter weather. Deciduous types are hardier than evergreen, however neither will appreciate excessive wet or cold.
Newly planted Agapanthus will require regular watering in the first year to help the plant establish, however will be drought tolerant once settled. An annual feed is all that's required to keep the plant healthy. In winter, protect deciduous types with straw and allow the foliage to die down to add an extra layer of cover. Evergreen types are more tender, so may need moving under cover if container grown, or lifted and stored if in the ground.
Agapanthus Flowering Problems
Occasionally, plants will stop producing flowers however this can be due to a number of reasons:
- Shade - Agapanthus love full sun, if the site is too shaded the plant will not get the light it needs to stimulate flowering
- Container too large - Excessive room within the pot will encourage the plant to put it's energy into growing and expanding, not flowering
- Container too small - Agapanthus should be repotted every two to three years for optimal flowering, allow the roots to be restricted but not pot-bound
- Deadheading - Removing old flowers will encourage further blooming, otherwise the plant energy goes into seedhead production
- Watering - Young plants need water in late summer to develop flower buds for next year
Agapanthus Varieties To Try
Agapanthus 'Fireworks' - RHS award winning evergreen with giant flowerheads of white and purple
Agapanthus 'Flower Of Love' - Violet blue umbels with a long flowering period
Agapanthus 'Poppin' Purple' - Beautiful rich purple flowers over a long period
Agapanthus 'Silver Baby' - Shimmering flowerheads of the palest blue, with compact growth
Agapanthus 'Whitney' - Compact evergreen variety offering snow white flowers
