African blue lily, Agapanthus

Agapanthus add an exotic touch to any planting scheme or container. Traditionally, they have only been suitable for growing in warm coastal gardens, but now there is an increasing range of hardier varieties.

Flower structure

Agapanthus inapertus

Agapanthus have flower-heads known as umbels, which are large and rounded and made up of many tubular flowers. Some, such as A. inapertus have pendulous flowers. Their colour ranges from shades of blue through to violet, but there are also pure white forms. Deciduous varieties, such as 'Blue Globe' and 'White Superior', are more hardy cultivars for the garden. Evergreen species include the majestic A. comptonii, a frost-tender species that is ideal for containers.

Plant history

Agapanthus come in a range of colours from blue to white

The name agapanthus is derived from the Greek 'agape', meaning love, and 'anthos', flower. The plants are native to South Africa and were brought back to Europe in the seventeenth century by the first European settlers when they stopped in the cape to replenish their supplies. Agapanthus africanus was first introduced to Europe in 1679. Its origins in the cooler temperatures of the Western Cape, made it an ideal candidate for exporting.

In the late 1940s, the Hon. Lewis Palmer raised the Headbourne Hybrids, a reliable and hardy deciduous group of seedlings in his garden at Headbourne Worthy, Hampshire. Many hardy varieties were then bred from these.

Recommended species and varieties

Growing tips

Agapanthus dislike waterlogged, heavy soils or those that are prone to drying out during the growing season. Avoid rich soils, as they promote weak growth that is vulnerable to frost-damage. Ample water during the growing season is also essential to ensure success.

Tender agapanthus should be grown in pots

Tender varieties should be grown in pots in a soil-based compost, made up of two parts John Innes No 2 to one part composted bark chips. Overwinter them in a frost-free place indoors, such as a conservatory, porch or even a shed with a window. Keep the plants on the dry side.

Planting companions

Agapanthus looks particularly good when planted with lower-growing perennials, such as hardy geraniums. Alternatively, it can look fantastic growing among the silver foliage of Santolina chamaecyparissus or the Silvery-blue leaves of Melianthus major .

Containerised plants can be placed in front of other late summer plants, such as the violet-blue Ceratostigma willmottianum . Small varieties, such as Agapanthus 'Lilliput', make ideal companions for low growing tender perennials such as Helichrysum petiolare , Lotus berthelotii or Felicia amelloides . Larger agapanthus create on an exotic look when placed next to a backdrop of the huge leaves of palms and cordylines.

Problem solver

Although agapanthus suffer from few pests, mealy bug and red spider mite can be a problem when plants are overwintering. Severe infestations should be treated with a suitable insecticide.

Where to see them

National Collections of Agapanthus

J Hartnell
30 Hawkley Drive
Tadley
Hampshire, RG26 3YH
Tel: 0118 9814874
By appointment only

RJ and CL Fulcher
Pine Cottage
Fourways
Eggesford, nr Chulmleigh
Devon, EX18 7QZ
Tel: 01769 580076 / 07718 505053
Website: www.pcplants.co.uk
Opening times: See website for details