Agapanthus are a well-known garden favourite also called Christmas Lily, Blue Lily or Lily of the Nile. The name Agapanthus actually comes from the Greek word ‘agape’ meaning ‘love’, and the word ‘anthos’ meaning ‘flower’. Agapanthus are thus also known as ‘flowers of love’.
Agapanthus plants are clump forming with thick fleshy roots, dark green strappy leaves and attractive, round flower heads. The flowers are either blue or white and bloom in mid-summer. They are evergreen and are indigenous to the winter rainfall area of the Western Cape, South Africa. Most garden varieties available are hybrids of Agapanthus praecox which can produce flower heads anywhere up to one metre tall. There is also the smaller species, called Agapanthus africanus available, which produces flowers up to half a meter high.
Agapanthus are fairly low maintenance plants but do need rich soil to flower well and regular watering especially during summer. Enrich the soil with compost and add bone meal when planting them. They love to grow in a full sun or partial sun position. They can grow in very shady parts of the garden as well, but won’t always flower as prolifically if placed in too deep shade.
They make ideal container plants and also work well as border plants or planted in mixed beds or rockeries. They are fairly wind resistant and are also suitable for coastal gardens. The flowers attract insects, especially butterflies. Agapanthus flower heads also make excellent cut flowers and can last in a vase for at least a week.
To propagate them, collect fresh seed in late summer or autumn and sow them straight-away. They hybridize quite freely so you may be surprised at the varieties you can grow from seed. You can also divide Agapanthus clumps in early autumn, and replant them immediately ensuring that the roots don’t dry out.
Agapanthus are firm favourites loved by gardeners throughout the world. It’s not surprising because they are fairly easy to grow and are very rewarding with their bold, attractive flowers in summer.
Garden with Tracy 