Growing Agapanthus
The name comes from the Greek agape; meaning love and anthos flower. The early explorers to South Africa brought back this bulb to Europe in the seventeenth century (1679 actually)
Where to Plant
Plant them in the full, hot sunshine and just deep enough to cover the rhizome.
Plant the rhizomes approximately 8 inches apart. There are different varieties ranging in height from one foot up to three feet (or more depending on culture) tall. Colours range from whites through dark blues.
Hardiness
While it is often used in the perennial border in warm areas, (it is hardy in USDA 7-11) it does make an excellent pot or container bulb.
Container Gardening
I've seen some stunning displays of potted Agapanthus at the Montreal Botanic Garden and they have inspired me to make the same effort.
Plant one good sized rhizome in a 12 inch pot or three to a rather large 18-20 inch pot.
Agapanthus do not like waterlogged feet or dry feet. This is plant that wants regular deep waterings but in a well-drained soil.
Do not overfeed as you will wind up with weak, spindly growth. A once-a-week feeding with a balanced plant food should be adequate.
You will not see many pests on this plant except for the requisite red spider mite and mealy bug found on just about every indoor plant everywhere. These will pop up on the overwintered plants. Treat as per any other houseplant.
Propagation
And when you want more Agapanthus, you can do it in one of two ways.
The first is to sow some seed in the spring, treating them like a tender annual seed or vegetable seed and growing them on. They will take upwards of three years to flower from seed. But if you're collecting your own seed, it is an inexpensive way to increase your collection.
Or, you can wait until your potted lily is root bound and divide it. This can usually be done every four to five years.
In the very early spring before growth starts, divide up the rhizome (using a very sharp knife) so that each section has roots. If you take them too small, they'll simply sulk for a year and bulk up before sending up a flower. Note they may sulk even if you don't take them too small. :-)
Bulb Groups
There are two groups of Agapanthus bulbs:
The evergreen group which do not lose their leaves, and should be treated as houseplants during the winter.
The most commonly grown of these is A. africanus and its cultivars. Grow outdoors all summer and then take indoors to keep alive - giving it the same conditions indoors as you did outdoors. 'Donau' is the most common of this group.
The 'leaf-losing' group which loses their leaves during the winter and can be stored in a cool, dry spot for the winter. 'Blue Triumphator' is the most commonly found plant. This gorgeous bulb is a highlight of a summer display.
Click here to ask about Growing Agapanthus.
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