Agapanthus adds the perfect splash of blue to the landscape during summer and fall.
Agapanthus has strappy green leaves that add texture to beds, borders, and containers.
Many varieties have foliage that is small and grasslike.
Credit: Karlis Grants
Other varieties have larger, straplike foliage (much like daylilies).
Several varieties of agapanthus are available with green variegated foliage with a cream or white stripe down the edge.
Agapanthus blossoms appear in clusters at the tips of blooming stems.
Credit: Karlis Grants
As they mature, the bracts pull back to reveal small blue buds.
These buds open in succession, starting at the bottom and working their way up.
The soil needs to be moist, rich, and well-draining.
Credit: Bill Stites
Agapanthus does well in garden beds and borders or in containers.
It can handle salty winds, which makes it a particularly good choice for coastal gardens.
In the garden, plant the rhizomes 12 to 24 inches deep inmoist, well-draining soil.
Credit: Chipper R. Hatter
The root crown should be facing up and positioned at soil level.
Consult the tag that comes with your plants to ensure proper placement.
Agapanthus can also begrown in containersfilled with potting soil.
Credit: Blaine Moats
However, in extremely hot climates, they benefit from partial shade.
Soil and Water
Choose a location with rich soil that drains well.
Agapanthus plants appreciate regular watering and don’t like to dry out for long.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Temperature and Humidity
Many agapanthus species are evergreenin tropical climates.
The non-evergreen types require a little more protection and warmth during the cool season.
As fall arrives, initiate their dormancy by withholding some water.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Hardier plants can be left out and sparsely watered until spring.
Agapanthus can handle high humidity but does not require it.
For the amount to use, follow product label directions.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Be sure to water it in well.
The plant will go dormant for the winter.
Mulch the crown of the plant to protect it.
In general, agapanthus plants don’t mind being snugly planted in a pot.
However, they appreciate being divided every few years to encourage new growth and increase blooms.
Allow the plant to acclimate in a protected spot before moving it to a sunny location.
Pests and Problems
Spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips are attracted to agapanthus plants.
Wash them off with a strong spray of water or treat them with insecticidal soap orneem oil.
Root rot can become a problem if the plant sits in soggy soil.
It can be prevented by planting in well-draining soil, but it can’t be treated.
Remove the affected plant from the garden and dispose of it.
How to Propagate Agapanthus
Agapanthus grows and spreads by fleshy rhizomes that act as storage roots.
The plant retains nutrients in its roots and may be divided to create more plants.
Plant the sections back in the garden in well-draining soil or in containers of potting soil to give away.
Germination takes about a month.
Agapanthus can also be found in white; a few varieties have white and blue in the same flowers.
It grows 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
The plants grow 4 feet tall.
It grows 1 foot tall and wide.
It grows 30 inches tall and wide.
The beautiful clusters of lavender-pink flowers have a sweet fragrance, similar to hyacinth perfume.
They open up on tall stems from early summer until late fall.
Noted for its drought tolerance, society garlic has become a staple in Southern California landscapes.
Kangaroo Paw
Make a bold statement in your gardenwith kangaroo paw.
The blooms last a long time and make great cut flowers.
Bird of Paradise
Add tropical flair to your garden or home withstunning bird of paradise flowers.
Indoors, they need a bright spot to produce flowers.
Many gardeners take bird of paradise outside for the summer so the plants can soak up the sun.
The plant is deer-resistant, although a deer will eat the plant if no other food is available.
Agapanthus is also rabbit-resistant.
The blooms are usually too far from the ground to attract squirrels.
In general, it is unpopular with wildlife.
In Greek, the word “agape” means love, and the word “anthos” means flower.
Agapanthus means both “flower of love” and “lovely flower.”
It’s also known as Peter Pan Lily and Lily of the Nile.
This plant has the potential to last a long time.
Yes, these plants are cold-hardy, so they can withstand light, short frosts.
North Carolina State Extension.
Guide to Poisonous Plants.
Lily of the Nile, Agapanthus Lily, African Blue Lily.
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University.
