Agapanthus Growing Guide

Agapanthus hybrids

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°). In cold winter climates, container-grown plants can be brought indoors in winter.

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, agapanthus is a valuable source of cool blue in the summer garden. In semi-tropical areas they make great low maintenance landscape plants, with strappy green foliage that persists year-round. Where winters are cold, grow agapanthus as indoor-outdoor houseplants. If you don’t have a sunny indoor spot for your potted agapanthus, you can let it rest in a cool basement through winter.

Harvesting

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

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Agapanthus

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail