Collection: Agapanthus

Family Amaryllidaceae

Agapanthus — African Lily — is a genus of around 10 species of clump-forming perennials native to the grasslands and hillsides of South Africa and Mozambique. Compact clumps of strappy, strap-shaped leaves give rise to tall, upright flower stems bearing bold umbels of funnel-shaped flowers in blue, white, and purple in summer. Please note that all parts of the plant are harmful if eaten.

The deciduous species, originating from the Drakensberg mountains, are generally the hardiest — always check individual hardiness ratings before planting out. All prefer a rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in a warm, sunny position. Avoid wet roots over winter; a dry mulch around the crown provides valuable protection in colder areas. Remove spent flower stems promptly to prevent energy being diverted into seed production. Less hardy forms are best grown in containers and moved under cover for winter.

Agapanthus are superb container plants, looking magnificent on a patio or terrace in summer. It is widely believed that they must be pot-bound to flower well — in fact this is a myth. They dislike being overpotted or over-divided, but an excessively congested root system will also suppress flowering. Every two to three years, move into a pot one size up — around 2.5–5cm larger — and keep plants well watered and fed from spring through to early autumn. Once the container becomes unmanageably large, divide in spring.

Combines well with Crocosmia, Kniphofia, Salvia, and Stipa.