Position – Full sun
Soil – Moist, well-drained
Flowering Period – Summer
Hardiness – Fully hardy to half hardy
Agapanthus are clump-forming perennials that are better known as the African Lily, originating from Southern Africa. Bright green and slender strap-shaped foliage hold tall, erect stems and clusters of showy trumpet-shaped flowers. They are best suited to flower beds and borders within courtyard, cottage and informal garden settings although they will also last up to two weeks in a vase. You should expect to see Agapanthus grow to an approximate height of 60cm (24”) and a spread of 30-45cm (12-18”).
As the plants prefer restricted roots they make lovely pot plants, you can also move the pots into a sheltered area if the temperature drops significantly. They can however grow well in a border if the soil is free draining. Place the plant into the hole so the top of the root is 5cm below the top of the soil. Fill the remaining space with a loam based compost with additional grit, making sure to firm the soil and avoid leaving air pockets. Always water plants thoroughly and deeply. When planting in heavy soils or pots place grit/crockery at the bottom of the hole to aid drainage.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer weekly in the weeks before flowering. Do not overfeed as they will stop flowering and produce lush foliage. Remove flower heads after flowering unless the seed is required for propagation. Applying a dry mulch in winter is recommended, especially in cold areas, removing the straw or sand before the active growth period.
The best way to propagate Agapanthus is by division during the spring. Divide into clumps with several growing points. Division is recommended no more than every 4-6 years. Over division will reduce flowering.
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