Exotic beauty’s Patio Plant of the Year title
Another first for me – I couldn’t resist a Thompson & Morgan sale in January, so I had to learn how to grow Agapanthus.
I have three Queen of the Ocean (blue) and three Polar Ice, supplied as bare roots and coming away nicely. Agapanthus won Patio Plant of the Year 2018, run by the Flower Council of Holland. As their experts are far more knowledgeable than I, they have supplied this handy how-to-buy the perfect plant guide. They have elegant stems, green leaves and blue or white flowers, looking like floral fireworks – ideal for a tropical look.
How to grow Agapanthus – Aka the African lily
Also known as the African lily, its exotic looks belie the fact that it’s easy to care for. It flowers from late June to the beginning of October. Most Agapanthus on sale originate from A. africanus, and there are evergreen and deciduous varieties. Breeding has produced cultivars which stay compact, ideal for patio pots.
Agapanthus is native to South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. Cultivated escapees mean it now grows wild in Australia, Mexico and Europe. African women traditionally wore dried roots as an amulet to ensure healthy babies. Perfect for a loved one, Agapanthus’ name is derived from the Greek ‘agape’ (love) and ‘anthos’ (flower). In the garden, it symbolises a happy home.
How to buy Agapanthus
The Flower Council of Holland advises:
- The larger the pot size, the older and more richly flowering the plant is.
- Compactness can vary considerably between plants. A healthy Agapanthus has long stems, foliage at the base and buds at the top.
- The plant must be free of pests and diseases. Avoid specimens with yellow leaves, which is a sign of soil that is too wet.
How to grow Agapanthus
- Plants like a sunny and sheltered spot in a mixture of potting compost and sand.
- Place Agapanthus in a spacious pot with a drainage hole.
- Always ensure slightly damp soil, particularly during the growing season.
- A bit of plant food every month helps promote growth and flowering.
- Agapanthus is not fully hardy. Place it in a cool shed or cellar if the temperature drops lower than a couple of degrees below freezing.
