Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus): plant profile

Key information

Description

A rhizomatous perennial native to South Africa. An evergreen with bright green leaves, from which rise spectacular terminal umbel-like inflorescences borne on long, stiff stems.
It is available in a range of cultivars that differ mainly in the colour of their flowers: from deep blue to white, blue-white and pink.
It is also used as a cut flower.

Scientific classification

Division

Angiospermae

Class

Monocotyledoneae

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Order

Asparagales

Genus

Agapanthus

Species

africanus

Origin and history

Origin and distribution

A species native to the south-western part of the Cape Province, it was introduced to Europe in 1692. Today, it is available in a wide range of cultivars with different flower colours, including long-stemmed varieties that can exceed one metre in length and others described as compact dwarf varieties with flower stems no longer than 30 centimetres.

Curiosities and special features

The term ‘Agapanthus’ derives from the Greek ‘agàpe’ (object of love) and ‘ánthos’ (flower), thus meaning ‘Flower of Love’, a symbol of beauty, whilst the epithet ‘africanus’ refers tothe plant’s native range.

Main features

Lifespan

Evergreen Perennial Species.

Where to plant

Multifunctional in use, it is suitable for flowerbeds, flowerbeds or outdoor borders in temperate zones., outdoor tubs.

Plant height

The plant height varies from 0.6 to 0.8 m, depending on the growth of the stems bearing the Inflorescences.

Leaf

The leaves are evergreen and opposite, with linear or ribbon-like lamina.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Stem

It has herbaceous stems; the plant has no thorns.

Growth

Globular growing plant, also ideal for cultivation in planters and pots.

Habit

The globular habitus conferred by the foliage is reinforced in height by the inflorescences.

Branching

It develops vertically growing rhizomes.

Growing conditions

Use

It is widely appreciated for its inflorescences and evergreen foliage in:
Outdoor ornamental settings

Ideal climate and temperature

Suitable for warm temperate zones. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25 °C. The survival temperature range is between -5 and 40 °C.

Soil

It does not tolerate heavy, waterlogged soil/medium, so make sure in advance that the soil/medium is loose and well-drained.

For growing in planters and pots, we recommend a coarse potting mix for roses containing peat, granulated clay, lapilli and extruded wood fibre.

Sun exposure

Suitable for partial shade or full sun. Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, as excessive exposure to the sun causes the leaves to turn yellow and the tips of the leaves to scorch.

Difficulty

Provided the correct cultivation techniques are used, agapanthus is fairly easy to grow and requireslittle maintenance.

Hardiness

A plant with medium to high hardiness, it adapts well to hot summers.

Growing tips

Some cultivation tips for achieving the best results in terms of vegetative growth and flowering:
Plants will not flower in low light Avoid over-watering Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures Requires little but regular fertiliser

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in mid-spring, perform digging to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, large stones and debris from previous crops. If the soil is too compact, it is advisable to work sand into it evenly to improve its drainage, as agapanthus does not tolerate waterlogging.

pH

For agapanthus, the ideal pH of the growing medium or soil/medium is between 6.0 and 6.5.

Combinations with other plants

This plant is suitable for creating uniform, monochromatic groups, but also for composition with other ornamental species, following carefully composed, uniform and soothing schemes, determined by a range of factors such as personal taste, the season and the duration of flowering, as well as the final height reached by each individual species. We recommend combining it with daylilies (Hemerocallis), lantana, lavender,Perovskia atriplicifolia and marigolds (Tagetes).

Care and plant health

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds, a medium density of 3 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure that each plant develops properly, thus resulting in a well-proportioned and compact composition.

Watering

Do not allow the rhizomes to dry out before transplanting, whilst immediately after transplanting, do not overwater to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to rot. Thereafter, keep the soil/medium moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can also cause the foliage to turn yellow. Do not water the plant from above, especially in the evening, to prevent the spread of plant diseases. During the winter months, when temperatures are low, reduce or suspend Irrigation.

Fertilising

During the growing season (spring–summer), apply a balanced, specialised fertiliser for flowering plants regularly and locally to the base of the plant, diluting it in the Irrigation can. Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency, as Agapanthus is sensitive to over-fertilizing, particularly when combined with water stress. Wait three or four weeks after repotting before fertilizing.

Propagation

Vegetative propagation is by head division. Micropropagation is also widespread.

Edibility and toxicity

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Toxicity for humans

Causes toxicity if swallowed.

Wear gloves when handling.

Expert advice

Tip

At full flowering remove the flower stem unless you want to recover the seeds that form after flowering. Almost completely suspends watering in the cold season (below 10 degrees). Plant that likes high temperatures, but not if exposed to full sun.