A well known hardy perennial, with large colourful clusters of flowers that are set on top of long stems. Flowering from later spring through summer Agapanthus are well suited to coastal gardens, garden beds, pots and look fantastic when mass planted.
Planting Calendar
Agapanthus are available throughout the year, but are best planted from spring through to autumn.
Prepare
Agapanthus are ideal for many garden uses, from mass planting projects to a single container specimen. Evergreen.
Position
Agapanthus are great as they can be grown almost anywhere from partial shade to baking hot sun, in pots or the ground.
Soil
Although agapanthus can tolerate poor soil they do better when they are planted into a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost and sheep pellets.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant's root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings 24 Plus fertiliser, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting. Water in the hotter months well enough, to ensure the water gets deep down to the roots of the plants and the soil is kept moist. A well watered plant is less likely to be attacked by pests.
Feeding
Monthly applications of Sheep Pellets will keep your plants growing and help with conditioning the soil. Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, is a plant tonic and ensures strong healthy plants and roots, when applied monthly to the foliage and root system.
Protecting
Protect against slugs and snails with Quash be sure to re-apply after rain.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants, with Living Earth More Than Mulch, ensuring that the mulch is not up against the base of the plant. Mulching will reduce competition for nutrients from weeds, and help lock in moisture in the ground.
Pruning
Pruning is only required to remove spent flower heads, follow the stem down to the base and cut off with a sharp pair of secateurs.
Top Varieties
Agapetite
A dwarf sterile variety growing to only 10cm with pure white flowers on long stems set 20cm above the plant.
Golden Drop
Dwarf sterile variety with green leaves edged with yellow with blue flowers. Grows 40cm x 50cm
Sarah
Agapanthus ‘Sarah’ produces good sized, full, flower heads, in which each individual flower is held upright, producing a unique candelabra effect. Flowers are palest lilac-blue, with a noticeably darker central band. The crimped outer edges of the tepals add another layer of attraction and uniqueness to this very feminine plant. A sterile variety. Grows 60cm x 40cm
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my agapanthus to bloom?
Agapanthus will bloom in the summer, but they need to be in a sunny location and have well-draining soil. They will also need to be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Can Agapanthus grow by the sea?
They are very tolerant to temperature, rainfall, salt, poor soils and can survive immersion in the sea.
How do I divide Agapanthus plants?
Use a sharp knife or garden shears to divide the clumps of leaves and roots into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy fan of leaves and several strong roots. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil in a sunny location, spacing them about 18 inches apart. Water the plants well after planting. Once they are re-planted, agapanthus will take some time to recover and establish themselves, so be patient and give them time to grow.