Agapanthus Growing Guide

Agapanthus hybrids

Agapanthus

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous 

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, with a slightly acidic pH.

Position

Full sun to partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Most agapanthus tolerate cold to about -6°C (20°F), with a few cultivars hardy to -20°C (-5°)

Feeding

In spring, topdress deciduous agapanthus with rich compost. Drench plants grown in containers with a liquid organic fertiliser monthly during the summer months.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out container-grown agapanthus in spring after the soil has warmed. This is also the best time to dig and divide crowded clumps. Set plants so that the tops are covered by 2.5cm (1 inch) of soil. Young plants need water when they are actively growing, but avoid keeping the plants too wet. When grown in the ground, agapanthus need dividing only every five years or so. Plants may skip a year of blooming after being divided.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Native to South Africa, breeding progammes have resulted in a wide variety of dwarf, medium and tall agapanthus, with flowers ranging from deep violet to mauve, blue and pure white. They make great low maintenance, water-wise landscape plants, with strappy green foliage that persists year-round.

Harvesting

Agapanthus make fantastic cut flowers, and cutting may help extend bloom time.

Troubleshooting

Agapanthus thrive in humid heat and may struggle to grow where nights are cool. They have few problems with pests and diseases.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Agapanthus