Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Agapanthus are clump-forming perennials with narrowly strap-shaped leaves, evergreen in some species, and erect stems bearing umbels of funnel-shaped blue or white flowers
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
In milder areas, grow outside in full sun, in a sheltered position such as a south-facing or west-facing wall, in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, and provide winter protection with a loose mulch; in colder areas, grow in containers, in peat-free, loam-based compost, water freely when in growth but sparingly in winter, and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly from spring until flowering; for more advice, see Agapanthus cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division between spring and early summer, or in early autumn after plants have finished flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required except cutting back dead flower stems, but allow them to remain until spring, because the seedheads look attractive over winter
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails and agapanthus gall midge
Diseases
May be susceptible to a virus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
