The aim of the blog is to share our knowledge of what to plant, what is flowering and what you should be doing to prepare for the next planting season!
Learn about Agapanthus
Agapanthus originates from South Africa and are now of course widely available. Agapanthus, although not completely resistant to slugs, snails, rabbits and deer are not normally bothered by them. Agapanthus belongs to the family Agapanthaceae, but are more commonly known as African lily or Lily of the Nile.
We supply the various varieties of agapanthus as fleshy roots, which are produced from a rhizome not a bulb. The leaves vary in shape and colour from a deep green to grey green. It is also possible to have agapanthus with white/yellow variegated leaves. The flower colour of agapanthus varies too, from dark violet blue to pure white and all the shades in between.
Cultivation
Prior to planting, ensure that the ground is cultivated to a depth of 12” if possible. Agapanthus prefers to be grown in full sun if possible but will be ok in semi shade. They also prefer a well-drained soil/compost. If growing in heavy soils during cultivation add plenty of humus to the soil and some sand to aid drainage. Before planting, they would also benefit from a handful of grit or more sand added to the hole to provide better drainage.
Flowering
The plants need to be kept moist but not too wet. During and after flowering until the leaves die back it is essential to feed the plants. In general, they are better feed with a high potash feed, such as that provided in a tomato food. It is also recommended to use a general fertilizer once or twice over the flowering period to provide any trace elements required.
Agapanthus in pots
When growing in containers use a mixture of approx 40% compost, 30% top soil, and 30% either grit or perlite (provides drainage). You should also ensure that the container you use is of a sufficient size to allow the agapanthus to establish over a few years and also that it will not topple over during flowering (tall plants catch the wind and small pots are prone to falling over).
Over wintering:
Some of the more common varieties of Agapanthus are relatively frost hardy and as long as they are well mulched, can be left in the garden over the winter. Plants grown in containers should however be either protected from sever frosts by using fleece etc or kept in sheltered greenhouses or similar.
Tips
Agapanthus prefer a sunny position, with partial shade. They are also suitable in windy positions once the plant is established. In early years, they may need staking in the windier spots.
Agapanthus are reasonable pest and disease free.
