Full Answer
When should I plant Agapanthus?
Agapanthus planting is best done during the fall or winter in warm climates. Agapanthus makes a lovely back border or focal plant due to its height, beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers and leaf texture. For a dramatic effect, plant a large grouping throughout a sunny garden spot.
Where can I buy Agapanthus online?
WHERE TO BUY AGAPANTHUS. Aside from local nurseries, here is a list of places to order agapanthus plants online: Brent and Becky's Bulbs Burpee Easy to Grow Bulbs Far Reaches Farm Lazy S'S Farm Nursery Monrovia Plant Delights Nursery, Inc. Santa Rosa Gardens
Are Agapanthus high maintenance?
According to renowned plant hunter and gardener Dan Hinkley, “Agapanthus make superb, low-maintenance, and extremely long-lasting container plants.” Here are his tips: Provide a protected site during the winter months for potted agapanthus They don’t wish to be root-bound so repot frequently
How long does it take for Agapanthus to bloom?
Agapanthus may take two to three years to establish and reach peak bloom. To encourage flowering, remember the home climate of this non-native. Agapanthus’ native range in South Africa is sunny and experiences seasonal rains.
When should I plant my agapanthus?
Agapanthus planting is best performed in the fall or winter in warm climates, and in the spring after the danger of frost has passed in cool climates. The ravishing, spherical flower clusters will arrive in early to mid-summer.
Where is the best place to plant an agapanthus?
full sunThe ideal growing condition for Agapanthus is a sheltered spot in full sun with good soil, which is not too dry and drains well. Even though Agapanthus like moisture retentive soil, perversely they will establish well in containers.
How long does it take for agapanthus to mature?
Propagation From Seed You plant the seeds in late summer or in the fall, and they sprout in six to eight weeks. They're usually grown in trays, then potted and transplanted into the garden in the third year. Generally agapanthus grown from seed will reach maturity and bloom in three to four years.
Are agapanthus better in pots or in the ground?
Are agapanthus better in pots or in the ground? You can grow agapanthus either in pots or in the ground. But they flower better if their roots are restricted, so they will do well grown in pots. Grow in terracotta pots so that the roots stay warm in the summer.
Should agapanthus be grown in pots?
Agapanthus make fantastic patio plants and look particularly good grown in terracotta pots. Given a sunny spot and free-draining compost, they'll start producing spectacular flowers in June, July or August, depending on the variety, and flower for many weeks.
Do agapanthus spread?
Yes! Agapanthus multiply by sending out underground stems called Rhizomes. These stems emerge from the ground as new plants that are identical to the original plant. Despite being attached to the original plant, these plants can grow independently if removed.
Should I cut the dead flowers off my agapanthus?
So, as you can see, deadheading Agapanthus is a quick and easy job. You might not need to do it at all, but deadheading, at least during the earliest part of the growing season, can prolong the blooming period and keep your Agapanthus looking its best.
Is Miracle Grow good for agapanthus?
If you go to any farm or farmer's market the only type of fertilizer they will recommend using is this water-soluble solution by miracle-gro.
Will agapanthus multiply?
Gardeners may choose to replant agapanthus for a number of reasons, but the primary reason is that the rhizomes multiply rapidly and replanting is a way to rejuvenate a tired, overcrowded, slow-blooming plant. Replanting agapanthus isn't difficult, and the plant soon settles into its new home.
How many flowers do you get from one agapanthus bulb?
It's a good year for agapanthus here at The Watch House. A rough count of the flower heads produced by Agapanthus africanus tops 60, which is not the most I've ever enjoyed, but is the best in recent years.
Do slugs eat agapanthus?
They include Agapanthus, Bergenia, Eryngium and Antirrhinum; plants with toxic sap such as Euphorbia; most ferns; hardy geranium, Hemerocallis; Digitalis; Salvia, Sedum and Scabious. There are also companion plants which might even help to deter slugs.
How deep should agapanthus be planted?
When planting your Agapanthus bulbs, make sure they will receive full sun to light shade. Plant the bulbs 2" deep and 4-6" apart. After planting, water your bulbs generously, soaking the soil. Roots and top growth will form within a few weeks.
Does agapanthus like sun or shade?
Planting and Care Agapanthus grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Though visually delicate, it is a deceptively tough plant. It performs well in partial shade or full sun, drought, and even our sandy loam soil. It will tolerate occasionally wet, slightly alkaline, acidic soil, and clay soil.
Will agapanthus grow in full shade?
Agapanthus need full sun. It is quite common for agapanthus to start life in full sun but end up in the shade. Over the years, surrounding trees and shrubs have grown up, shading a once sunny row of aggies. When this happens flowering diminishes.
Is Miracle Grow good for agapanthus?
If you go to any farm or farmer's market the only type of fertilizer they will recommend using is this water-soluble solution by miracle-gro.
How many flowers do you get from one agapanthus bulb?
It's a good year for agapanthus here at The Watch House. A rough count of the flower heads produced by Agapanthus africanus tops 60, which is not the most I've ever enjoyed, but is the best in recent years.
How long does it take for agapanthus to bloom?
Agapanthus may take two to three years to establish and reach peak bloom. To encourage flowering, remember the home climate of this non-native. Agapanthus’ native range in South Africa is sunny and experiences seasonal rains. Gardeners in Florida should plant their agapanthus in full sun for the best blooms.
What zone do Agapanthus plants grow in?
Planting and Care. Agapanthus grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Though visually delicate, it is a deceptively tough plant. It performs well in partial shade or full sun, drought, and even our sandy loam soil. It will tolerate occasionally wet, slightly alkaline, acidic soil, and clay soil.
How big do albus plants get?
Individual plants can reach up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, but dwarf forms are available. Both varieties make an excellent ground cover or accent plant for areas with full sun or partial shade. Available cultivars include: 'Albus,'with white flowers; 'Flore Pleno,' double flowers; 'Variegatus,' with striped leaves; and 'Nanus,' a dwarf, compact form. One cultivar with particularly stunning blue blooms is Ever Sapphire™, a semi-dwarf.
Is agapanthus a good cut flower?
Agapanthus can bring fresh shape to your cut flower garden. It will liven up a Florida-Friendly landscape by attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. The blooms are absolutely unique and make a wonderful display in mass plantings. There are so many good reasons to add agapanthus to your garden.
Is Agapanthus orientalis a perennial?
Characteristics. Agapanthus orientalis is a perennial lily. It belongs to the same botanical family as amaryllis and daffodil and is just as striking. And though non-native, it is considered a Florida-Friendly plant. It is both low-maintenance and a refuge for wildlife.
Can agapanthus be damaged by botrytis?
Although pests are not usually a major concern, gardeners occasionally find some chewing and boring on the leaves. As for disease, botrytis fungus can be damaging to plantings of agapanthus. In humid areas, particularly in the eastern U.S., we recommend planting only disease-resistant cultivars.
Is agapanthus dormant in Florida?
In most of Florida agapanthus is dormant during the winter months. Do not water plants during their dormant period. Other factors that boost blooming are improved soil and high "stand" density (agapanthus blooms best in dense, undisturbed clumps of plants called stands).
When does Agapanthus bloom?
Agapanthus plants reach up to 4 feet (1 m.) at maturity and bloom from June through August.
What is the name of the African lily plant?
Agapanthus. By: Susan Patterson, Master Gardener. Printer Friendly Version. Image by eugenesergeev. The Agapanthus, commonly referred to as the Lily-of-the-Nile or the African lily plant, is an herbaceous perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family that is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 11.
Can Agapanthus be dried?
As an added bonus, Agapanthus flowers make an eye-catching addition to any cut flower arrangement and the seed heads can be dried for year-round enjoyment. Warning: Extreme caution should be taken when handling the Apaganthus plant, as it is poisonous if ingested and a skin irritant.
Is it easy to care for an agapanthus plant?
Caring for an Agapanthus plant is easy in warmer regions. Once planted, this beautiful plant requires very little upkeep.
Can Agapanthus be planted in containers?
For a dramatic effect, plant a large grouping throughout a sunny garden spot. Agapanthus flowers can also be used in container plantings in cooler regions. Growing Agapanthus requires a sunny to partly shady location and regular water.
Where do Agapanthus grow?
The evergreen species are indigenous to the winter rainfall areas of our country, while the deciduous species hail from the summer rainfall areas of southern Africa. Breeding programmes have given rise to a wide variety of exciting dwarf and medium high Agapanthus with large blooms.
Where are Agapanthus plants found?
Agapanthus plants line so many roads in South Africa that we tend to forget just how spectacular these plants are. Thanks to clever breeding programmes these indigenous treasures are now available in a wide range of striking varieties. The Agapanthus is undoubtedly one of our indigenous botanical treasures.
What does agapanthus mean?
The name agapanthus comes from the Greek words agapé (love) and anthos (flower), therefore literally meaning “flower of love”. Locally it is often referred to as blue lily, isicakathi (Xhosa) and ubani (Zulu), while in Europe and America it is popularly known as the African lily.
How many species of Agapanthus are there?
The Agapanthus family includes two evergreen species, namely Agapanthus africanus and Agapanthus praecox, and four deciduous species – Agapanthus campanulatus, Agapanthus caulescens, Agapanthus coddii and Agapanthus inapertus. The evergreen species are indigenous to the winter rainfall areas of our country, while the deciduous species hail from ...
How tall does Agapanthus snowball grow?
Agapanthus “Snowball” is a dwarf variety, growing no taller than 30cm, with large white flowers on a thick stem.
How tall do Agapanthus plants get?
The colour of Agapanthus flowers range from the well-known blue-purple hues to white, and even pink varieties, and the plants range in height from just 20cm for certain dwarf varieties to up to 2m for larger varieties.
When does Agapanthus Praecox bloom?
Agapanthus “White Ice” is a medium height variety with waxy white flowers which bloom from spring until the end of summer.
When is the best time to plant a plant?
Spring is the best time to plant if you’re in these zones because it gives your plants plenty of time to establish before winter sets in. We still recommend covering your plants overnight during hard freezes to help ensure their success over their first winter.
Where Should I Plant Them?
Generally, over 3 hours of direct sunlight is necessary. However, some varieties handle receiving more shade better than others do. We recommend planting them in soil that is rich in organic matter for best results. If your soil is average or poor in quality, mix in some composted manure or rich garden soil to supplement it. Alternatively, apply a light balanced fertilizer in early spring. They prefer regular moisture in the landscape, however, standing water can be an issue and lead to root rot. Try to avoid locations with poor drainage (like heavy clay soil) or rapid drainage (like sandy soil). If your soil has poor drainage, mix in pine bark to improve drainage and aeration. If your soil is sandy, mix in compost or composted manure.
How to grow a plant in a pot?
Find a suitable planting location for your plants. Remember to leave a little room for their clumps to expand out over time . Dig a hole three times as wide as the pot that your plants came in. Don’t dig the hole deeper than what will allow for your plant to sit evenly with the ground around it.
Where did Agapanthus come from?
The infamous East Indian Trading Company brought the first shipment of Agapanthus plants to Europe in the late 17th century. This shipment consisted of evergreen types from the Cape of Good Hope. Growers kept them in greenhouses originally, uncertain of where they would grow successfully.
What Is An Agapanthus?
This family consists of around 4075 different species of plants. However, of this 4075, only 7 species are considered to be Agapanthus. But there are scores of different cultivars on the market today from just these 7 species.
What is the name of the perennial lily of the nile?
All About Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) Agapanthus, aka Lily of the Nile, are iconic perennials. With their huge colorful bloom clusters, you know ’em when you see ’em. There’s a lot to know about them, though. So I’ve done my best to compile almost everything you need to know about Agapanthus in this post!
Why won't my agapanthus flower?
So don’t try to shortchange them! If your plants get plenty of sun but they’re still not blooming, check out my post, “ When Do Agapanthus Flower ?” I cover other reasons why your plants might not be producing blooms.
How much sunlight does a Lily of the Nile need?
Lily of the Nile plants need a good bit of sunlight to grow and flower properly. So make sure you pick a nice and sunny location for them. Between 5 and 8 hours of direct sunlight is generally ideal for most varieties. If they don’t get enough sun, they won’t bloom.
What does the anthos flower mean?
Symbolism. Their name comes from the Greek words “Agape” and “Anthos.”. Agape means love and Anthos means flower. Put them together and you have “Love Flower” or “Flower of Love.”. So they’re considered a symbol of love and affection when given as a gift, either as a live plant or in a cut-flower arrangement.
Can you fertilize Agapanthus?
You can fertilize your Agapanthus when they’re freshly planted. You can use a standard granular inorganic fertilizer or a dry organic fertilizer. What you should not use is a liquid fertilizer.
How long does it take for a lily of the nile to flower?
This is when they’ll start affecting the plant’s ability to flower. In a container, it’ll usually take around 3 years to get to this point. In the ground, it takes longer. About 4 or 5 years. This is when you should divide your plants. I cover dividing Agapanthus in detail in my Lily of the Nile care post.
Why do you remove agapanthus flowers?
Removing Agapanthus flowers prevents them from producing seedpods that will sprout into new plants. You might be thinking, “Why wouldn’t I want free plants??” Well, the plants that would sprout from those seeds would not be like their parents. They wouldn’t have the same type of flowers or foliage. They would be much wilder and weed-like.
Why wouldn't a cloned agapanthus produce flowers the first year?
So, you might wonder, why wouldn’t a cloned Agapanthus produce flowers the first year? The answer is that transplanting a plant into your landscape can be stressful. It has to get comfortable with the soil, sun exposure, general weather, and water levels.
How long does it take for a reblooming plant to bloom?
Reblooming varieties will continuously bloom through the growing season, while non-reblooming varieties will bloom for roughly 2-3 weeks. Click a Topic Below To Navigate To It.
How cold can a agapanthus get?
Deciduous Agapanthus can be damaged if they go through an extreme freeze that dips below 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why do plants grow the same?
To briefly explain, if you bought a specific breed from a garden center, your plant was cloned from another plant that was cloned from another plant that was cloned from another plant. This goes all the way back to an original plant that first exhibited the traits that your plant has today , such as purple flowers, dense growth, etc. This is why your plant grows exactly the same as any other plant that is the same breed.
Is it important to deadhead reblooming plants?
It’s important to deadhead reblooming varieties. When I was in the nursery business, we grew several reblooming varieties from the Southern Living Plant Collection (such as the Ever Amethyst and Ever Midnight Agapanthus ).
How to grow Agapanthus?
2. Planting Your Agapanthus Rhizomes 1 Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 50ºF (10ºC). 2 Dig a hole and plant your rhizomes 2 in. deep (5 cm) and 12-18 in. apart (30-45 cm). That leaves them enough room to grow, yet close enough to help each other stay upright 3 Agapanthus plants are heavy feeders and do best with organic compost worked into the soil at planting. 4 Set the Agapanthus rhizomes with the pointed ends facing up. Cover with soil and water as needed. Protect in colder areas with a heavy mulch around the root zone to protect the plant from the cold.
How hot should Agapanthus be in the winter?
Evergreen Agapanthus should be brought inside and kept in a very bright location with temperatures in the 55-60°F range (12-15°C). During the winter, water lightly.
How to protect Agapanthus from cold?
Agapanthus plants are heavy feeders and do best with organic compost worked into the soil at planting. Set the Agapanthus r hizomes with the pointed ends facing up. Cover with soil and water as needed. Protect in colder areas with a heavy mulch around the root zone to protect the plant from the cold. 'Arctic Star'.
What type of soil does Agapanthus prefer?
Agapanthus perform best in fertile, moist and well-drained soil. They show no preference for pH, except Agapanthus africanus which prefers an acid soil. Fully hardy to half hardy, Agapanthus are hardy in zones 8-11 and some cultivars can be grown in zone 7.
Why is my agapanthus not flowering?
Agapanthus have few problems. The common reasons for Agapanthus to fail to flower are too much shade, cold weather or lack of winter protection.
Where do African lilies come from?
Lily Of The Nile, African Lily. Native to South Africa, Agapanthus (African Lily) are such flamboyant and exotic-looking perennials that it is impossible not to love them! Easy to grow, pest and disease free, they feature showy, rounded clusters of brightly colored flowers on stiff, upright stalks atop clumps of beautiful, long, shiny leaves.
When to divide Agapanthus?
Agapanthus are easy to propagate by division - between spring and early summer, or in early fall, after plants have finished flowering. Agapanthus species can be propagated by seed.
