Agapanthus are herbaceous, deciduous or evergreen perennials originating from South Africa.
Some have thick, strappy leaves, others have grass-like foliage.
They range from fully hardy to half hardy, with the evergreen varieties generally the most tender.
The showy flowers, commonly in shades of blue and purple, but also white and pink appear in mid summer.
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They will thrive in any well-drained, sunny position in the garden, or containers.
Note; In the UK this specie is a half hardy hardy perennial, and requires a sheltered location with some winter protection, particularly in northern parts.
Because of this; consideration should be given to growing them in containers so that they can be moved under cover during winter.
The strap leafed evergreen variety grows to around 700mm (28") high bearing 50-70mm (2"-3") spherical umbels of flowers in July.
The seed heads can be dried for winter decoration.
Agapanthus can be propagated by seed will not come true to type.
Collect pods as they turn brown in autumn and allow them to split apart indoors.
Store them in a cool, dry place and sow in the spring.
Cultivation;
Week 10; Sow seed in pots/trays of seed compost, and maintain a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F)
Germination should take around 3-4 weeks.
Week 18; If large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into 70mm (3”) pots of J. Innes No1 (or similar) then later into 150mm (6”) pots containing J.Innes No2 (or similar).
Grow plants on in a cold frame during summer
Note; seedlings may take two or three years to reach flowering size.
Week 17; If weather conditions allow, plant out the crowns 50mm (2”) deep and 500mm (18”) apart in a fertile, well-drained soil.
Avoid planting in shade, as plants will either grow poorly or develop a mass of lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid feed during the growing season until flowers begin to show colour.
Keep well watered during growing season, and cut faded stems down to ground level after flowering.
Week 20; Divide and replant in April/May if conditions allow.
Alternatively split after flowering!
Note; Avoid splitting plants too often as this will reduce flowering.
Large clumps should only be split every four to six years.
Week 40; In exposed areas protect the crowns with a layer of bracken, straw or cloches.
Remove or scrape back the mulch in spring before growth starts.Keep some agro-fleece at hand to throw over them if late fros is forecast.
Week 45; Move young plants into a frost-free greenhouse or cold frame and plant out the following spring when danger of frost is over.
Note; If growing in the border and your soil is prone to water-logging or they are in a frost pocket it is worth considering lifting them and placing them in suitable containers and placing them in a fros free environment.
