Agapanthus (African Lily)

Why Should I Grow Agapanthus?

Growing Agapanthus in your garden brings a host of benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider this plant:

• Visual Impact: Agapanthus’ striking blue or white flowers arranged in large globular clusters make a bold statement in any garden. They are particularly eye-catching when mass-planted, offering a spectacular display in full bloom.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Agapanthus are relatively carefree. They can withstand drought conditions and even neglect, thriving in a variety of soils as long as they are well-drained.
• Long Blooming: Agapanthus provides a long season of interest, from early summer to early fall. Its vibrant green, strappy leaves also add texture and structure to your garden throughout the year.
• Versatility: These plants are well-suited to a variety of garden styles, including Mediterranean, coastal, and cottage gardens. They can also be grown in containers, making them ideal for patios and smaller urban gardens.
• Pollinator Friendly: Agapanthus is popular with bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to support biodiversity in your garden.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant: If you live in an area with these garden visitors, the resistance of Agapanthus can save you a lot of hassle and plant loss.
• Winter Interest: In milder climates, Agapanthus is evergreen, providing year-round interest in the garden.

Garden Design with Agapanthus

Companion Plants

Agapanthus, with its striking blue or white flowers and lush green foliage, pairs beautifully with a variety of plants. When selecting companion plants, consider their growth habit, flowering time, and color palette to create a cohesive, visually pleasing garden design. Here are some ideal companions for Agapanthus:

• Roses: The elegant flowers of roses complement the globular blossoms of agapanthus.
• Daylilies (Hemerocallis): The taller varieties of daylilies make a lovely contrast with the round blooms of agapanthus.
• Lavender (Lavandula): The soft purples of lavender pair beautifully with the bolder blues and whites of agapanthus.
• Salvia: The spiky flowers of salvia varieties can provide a nice textural contrast to the rounder agapanthus blooms.
• Ornamental grasses: The fine textures of grasses like blue fescue or switchgrass contrast nicely with the thicker leaves and stems of agapanthus.
• Echinacea: These sturdy, bright perennials add a lovely contrast to the cool tones of agapanthus.
• Gaura: With its delicate, airy flowers, gaura makes a nice foil for the bold agapanthus blooms.
• Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): The silvery foliage and light purple flowers contrast well with agapanthus.
• Canna: The tropical leaves of canna and its bold flowers can create a dramatic backdrop for agapanthus.
• Yarrow (Achillea): The flat, colorful blossoms of yarrow can complement the round blooms of agapanthus.
• Catmint (Nepeta): The soft, mounding habit of catmint can create a lovely contrast with the more rigid form of agapanthus.
• Dahlias: The diverse colors and forms of dahlias can provide a delightful contrast with agapanthus.

Growing Tips

Growing Agapanthus can be quite straightforward with the right conditions and care. Here are some tips to help you grow healthy and flourishing plants:

• Location and Soil: Agapanthus thrive in full sun in fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. In hot climate areas, they will do better in partial shade. They show no preference for pH, except Agapanthus africanus, which prefers acid soil.
• Planting: Plant in spring or fall. If you’re growing from a pot, dig a hole twice the pot’s diameter, place the plant in, then backfill with soil, ensuring the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil. If planting bare roots, ensure the plant crown is level with the soil surface.
• Watering: While established Agapanthus can tolerate dry conditions, they’ll do best with regular watering in the growing season, especially in dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, as this can cause the roots to rot.
• Feeding: Feed your Agapanthus with a balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth appears and again in midsummer to promote blooming.
• Pruning: Agapanthus doesn’t require much pruning, but you can remove spent flower stalks to keep the plant looking tidy. Cut these back to the base once blooming has finished.
• Overwintering: In colder climates (zones below 7), Agapanthus may need some protection in winter. Mulch around the base of the plants or move container-grown Agapanthus indoors.
• Dividing: Agapanthus flowers best when it’s slightly crowded, but if plants become too congested or stop blooming, you may need to divide them. This is best done in spring.
• Pests and Diseases: Agapanthus can be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, and spider mites. They may also be prone to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent these issues, maintain good garden hygiene, provide proper drainage, and monitor for pests regularly. Agapanthus have few problems. The common reasons for Agapanthus to fail to flower are too much shade, cold weather, or lack of winter protection.