How to grow agapanthus

Choosing an agapanthus

There’s a lot of variety in agapanthus so, when selecting the right one for you, it helps to bear in mind the following things:

• Agapanthus range in height, some are quite small 20-60cm (8in-2ft); while others can grow up to 1.5 m (5ft). Use the shorter ones at the front of the border, taller ones to the middle of the border. All sizes can be grown in containers
• Flower colour is key. There are inky blues, pale sapphires, purples and whites. Choose a shade that you like and works with the plants you plan to put it next to
• Deciduous types  which lose their leaves are the toughest, hardiest agapanthus. However, some agapanthus are tender (mainly the evergreen types) and these are best overwintered in a cool greenhouse
• Flowers are mainly rounded with trumpet shape. The more unusual agapanthus have pendent blooms in rounded flower heads
• Go for agapanthus that have received the RHS Award of Garden Merit as these have been tested and perform well in average garden conditions

RHS hardiness ratings

RHS hardiness ratings

See AGM-winning agapanthus

See AGM-winning agapanthus

Find agapanthus suppliers

Find agapanthus suppliers

Buying agapanthus

• Buy hardy types in spring ideally. You can buy tender evergreen types at this time too, but they will need protection from frost
• You can buy potted plants in flower in summer, but be prepared to keep them well watered for the rest of the summer so they establish well
• Buy in containers and not in a packet, as the plant may have dried out and will be less likely to thrive

In borders

Grow all agapanthus in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid planting in shade as they won't flower as well. In the border, ideally plant your agapanthus in spring. If they are growing in containers, plant them the same depth that they are in the pot. If you have bought bulbs or fleshy rhizomes, the noses should be covered with 5cm (2in) of soil. ​If your soil is prone to waterlogging, or you live in a cold area, consider growing agapanthus in containers.

RHS guide to planting perennials

RHS guide to planting perennials

In containers 

Grow plants in containers at least 20-23cm (8-9in) in diameter, in a peat-free compost. All container plants (hardy or tender) benefit from some winter protection (see Overwintering in Ongoing Care section below).

Growing plants in containers

Growing plants in containers

Watering

• Once established, agapanthus need little watering, but may benefit from some in late summer in very dry years as this will help ensure good flowering in the next year.

Feeding

• It is beneficial to feed plants in containers, as they have less access to nutrients than plants growing in the ground. Feed with an organic, liquid seaweed fertiliser throughout the growing season, following the instructions recommended on the packet.

RHS guide to feeding plants

RHS guide to feeding plants

Deadheading and cutting back

• Dead head when flowers have faded, cutting them off at their base. This will encourage plant to flower longer, but some people also like to leave on the seedheads for early winter interest
• Remove the flowered stems and yellowed leaves of deciduous types in the autumn, as they natural die back. Tatty leaves on evergreens can be taken off at any time

Overwintering

• Protect your potted plants in autumn by placing in a light, frost-free place, ideally sheltered from the worst of the winter rains. This might be a cool greenhouse or coldframe, but place at the bottom of a south- or west-facing wall if you don't have one. Wrap all agapanthus (hardy and tender types) in two to three layers of biodegradable fleece for protection from November to early April. Containers can be wrapped with reused/repurposed bubblewrap or hessian to protect the roots.
• Evergreen plants and the more tender varieties do need winter protection. A few layers of biodegradable fleece can also be thrown over the leaves of the evergreen varieties. Alternatively, in colder areas the more tender evergreen types can be grown in containers and moved to a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory for the winter
• If you live in a cold area, you can help plants to survive the winter in borders by applying a 15-23cm (6-9in) deep layer of mulch around plants in autumn or early winter and remove in spring before growth starts. For the mulch, you can use sand, home-made compost, chipped bark or straw

Overwintering plants in conservatories

Overwintering plants in conservatories

Overwintering tender plants

Overwintering tender plants

Established clumps can be lifted and divided into smaller clumps. Spring (late March and April) is the best time to do it. This is the best way to make more plants of a cultivar as all the new clumps will be exactly the same.

Agapanthus can also be propagated from seed, however the resulting plants will be different from their parents. In fact each one will be unique, so you might get a gem among the seedlings.

Despite being easy to grow, agapanthus are occasionally subject to problems.

Agapanthus gall midge

Agapanthus gall midge

Preventing winter damage

Preventing winter damage

Plant viruses

Plant viruses

If you are a member of the RHS, you can use our online Gardening Advice service.