Agapanthus ( Agapanthus orientalis syn. praecox ) is an evergreen perennial that has strappy foliage and tall stems that display clusters of their gorgeous lily-like flowers. It is often used as a border plant and for good reason, this drought, frost and heat tolerant plant puts on quite a show as a border plant and can add a bit of a tropical feel. This species also grows happily in pots and makes a great cut flower.
Other common names for the Agapanthus orientalis are Lily of the Nile, African Lily, or Common Agapanthus. The Agapanthus name is Greek and means ‘Love Flower’.
Growth
The foliage of the Agapanthus is strap-like and grows to around 50-60 cm’s in length. During flowering season, tall stems emerge from the centre of the plant, that bear clusters of white flowers. These stems can stand up to a metre tall and once in bloom, really are stunning. Often grown alongside the Blue Agapanthus which shares the same botanical name.
This species can flower from Spring all the way through to early winter in the right spot. Once frosts begin in cooler regions, this will kill off the flower buds and flowering will be over until the following season. However, in warmer climates Agapanthus has been known to flower continuously all year.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Amaryllidaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-7 to 45°C / 19 to 112°F – Can die back in heavy frost but will re-emerge was the weather warms again.
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Will thrive best in nutrient rich soil, can be grown in coastal conditions.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 60 cm’s (2 feet) – plant, up to 1 metre (3 feet) – flower.
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm’s (1.6 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Perennial, Herbaceous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light, a little thirstier if in pots. Generally, no extra water needed during winter unless undercover from getting any rain – and even then, very low requirements.
POLLINATION:
Self-Pollinating
MATURITY:
Up to 4 years from seed
GERMINATION RATES:
80%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-6 weeks, dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 140
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes, can spread as it readily disperses seeds around its base. This can easily be prevented by dead heading flowers as they begin to die off.
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT AGAPANTHUS ORIENTALIS/PRAECOX (Agapanthus White)
Agapanthus is native to Southern Africa which is why they are sometimes called an African Lily.
The word ‘Agapanthus’ comes from the Greek words ‘agape’ and ‘anthus’, and when put together, mean ‘love flower’.
Agapanthus is the national flower of Antigua.
