Care and Feeding of Agapanthus
- Water. Agapanthus is a drought-tolerant plant that doesn't do well in soggy soil. Water Agapanthus deeply after planting...
- After Blooming. Agapanthus' wide leaves absorb sunlight, providing energy for the next year's blooming season. For this...
- Fertilizer. Agapanthus benefits from fertilization every spring, using a granular fertilizer...
Does Agapanthus need fertilizer?
Agapanthus doesn’t benefit from foliar feeds and it needs feeding just twice during the growing season. Some gardeners state they don’t even feed the plants, but this would be in cases where the soil is rich in organic amendments. Apply Agapanthus fertilizer in the coolest part of the day.
How do you water Agapanthus in South Africa?
Water agapanthus well between April and August to mimic the wet season in their native South Africa. Agapanthus will also benefit from a fortnightly feed of liquid high-potash tomato food during the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in September and allow the plant to dry out.
What is the best compost for Agapanthus?
Use John Innes no 2 compost and, when you buy a new agapanthus, use a pot that’s just slightly larger than your plants. They struggle if there’s too much space round their roots.
Is tomato feed good for agapanthus?
Feeding and watering agapanthus Agapanthus will also benefit from a fortnightly feed of liquid high-potash tomato food during the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in September and allow the plant to dry out.
Is Miracle Gro good for agapanthus?
Benefits: Better Blooms, More Colorful Blooms, Easy to Use If you go to any farm or farmer's market the only type of fertilizer they will recommend using is this water-soluble solution by miracle-gro.
When should I fertilize agapanthus?
Fertilize agapanthus in early spring, just prior to the beginning of the blooming season, using a balanced dry fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-10-10 or 5-5-5. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of approximately 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per 50 square feet of growing area.
Are agapanthus acid loving plants?
Agapanthus thrive in full sun and need 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. However, they do better in partial shade in hot climate areas. Agapanthus perform best in fertile, moist and well-drained soil. They show no preference for pH, except Agapanthus africanus which prefers an acid soil.
Can I feed my agapanthus with Tomorite?
I used to grow agapanthus only in pots, but the flowers were smaller than I expected, so I planted them all out in the garden. I found that they were slow to flower generously, but a high-potash fertiliser (I use last year's Tomorite) in late April greatly increased the production of flower-spikes.
Is blood fish and bone good for agapanthus?
only pot them on if they've filled their pots with roots. Give them some fish , blood and bone.
How do you make Agapanthus thrive?
Agapanthus: How to grow and care for this popular plantAgapanthus grow well in temperate regions and withstand heat and drought conditions.They're great for edging, as dwarf varieties grow to less than 50cm high.Agapanthus need full sun and regular water.Some people regard them as weeds.
How often should you feed Agapanthus?
every two weeksFeed every two weeks with a high potash feed to encourage flowering, until mid-September.
How often should you water Agapanthus?
Water regularly in the growing season, especially in the first year after planting. Once established they will need little watering, but some in late summer in very dry years will help ensure good flowering in the next year.
What is the best compost for Agapanthus?
Choosing Compost The ideal growing medium for Agapanthus is a peat-free, loam-based compost or potting mix, such as John Innes number 2 or 3 (or a home-made equivalent) with grit or coarse sand mixed in to improve drainage.
Why are my Agapanthus leaves turning yellow?
Agapanthus leaves might be turning yellow as a consequence of getting sunburnt, being overwatered, or when they are suffering from fungal diseases or pest attacks. The long, curved and slender leaves of the Agapanthus plant turn yellow mostly when they are suffering from an external attack by fungi or pests.
How can I get my Agapanthus to flower?
0:573:14HOW DO I MAKE MY AGAPANTHUS FLOWER - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's in shade. And it's not getting more than half a day Sun. Then you need to move it lift itMoreAnd it's in shade. And it's not getting more than half a day Sun. Then you need to move it lift it up divide it replant it in the Sun.
How do you make agapanthus thrive?
Agapanthus: How to grow and care for this popular plantAgapanthus grow well in temperate regions and withstand heat and drought conditions.They're great for edging, as dwarf varieties grow to less than 50cm high.Agapanthus need full sun and regular water.Some people regard them as weeds.
Should you feed agapanthus?
Although agapanthus are drought-tolerant you'll still need to water your pots at least a couple of times a week through the summer. They'll also benefit from a high-potash liquid feed once a week to promote good flower development.
What are the best growing conditions for agapanthus?
Agapanthus are best planted in a moist but well-drained soil of sand, clay, chalk or loam within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. They are best positioned in full sun. As they prefer their roots to be restricted, they make great pot plants. They are also well suited to growing in borders.
Should you feed agapanthus in pots?
Place an Agapanthus in a container in a sunny, warm and sheltered spot. Water container grown Agapanthus a couple of times a week over the summer months. Feed the plants with a potassium rich organic liquid plant feed (such as comfrey tea) every week or so during spring and summer for good flower development.
How does Agapanthus spread?
Agapanthus spreads by underground rhizomes and a few years after planting develops a mass of colorful blooms. Agapanthus benefits from division if the plant begins to look scruffy and dies out in the center -- usually every six to seven years.
How to grow agapanthus in a pot?
Agapanthus does well in a pot filled with a commercial potting mixture. Place the pot in full sunlight and provide about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season . If you live in a climate where nighttime temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, bring the pot indoors for the winter. Leave the foliage in place unless it turns yellow, and water the plant sparingly, or not at all.
What is the best zone for agapanthus?
Care and Feeding of Agapanthus. Also known as the African lily or lily of the Nile, agapanthus (Agapanthus orientalis) is a perennial bloomer suitable for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 7 through 11. Agapanthus is available in a range of blue hues, from pastel lavender to deep bluish-purple flowers, ...
How to fertilize a plant without watering?
Sprinkle the fertilizer on the ground around the plant, and then water deeply to distribute the fertilizer evenly around the roots. Never fertilize without watering, as undiluted fertilizer may scorch the roots and kill the plant. Similarly, never allow fertilizer to touch the foliage.
How tall is Agapanthus?
Mature height of the plant is 2 to 4 feet.
Do agapanthus leaves turn yellow?
For this reason, it's important to leave the foliage in place when blooming ends for the season. It's safe to remove the leaves if they turn yellow, however. Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com.
3. How Do I Choose a Agapanthus Fertilizer?
Choosing Agapanthus Fertilizer will depend on what you want them to do.
4. How Do I Fertilize Agapanthus?
If you want to fertilize agapanthus there are several important tips you should follow:
5. When Should I Fertilize Agapanthus?
When you should fertilize agapanthus depends on the agapanthus you grow (annual or perennial), when the agapanthus blooms, and the fertilizer you use.
6. How Often Should I Fertilize My Agapanthus?
How often you should fertilize your agapanthus depends on the fertilizer and soil.
7. How Do I Know if My Agapanthus Need Fertilizer?
You will know if your agapanthus need fertilizer if you observe one of the following:
8. What Alternatives to Fertilizers Can I Apply to Agapanthus?
If you do not want to use retail or commercial flower fertilizers then you can use the below alternatives. These alternatives will not only help your plant but the soil around it:
Conclusion
All agapanthus should be fertilized throughout the year. Make sure you read the instructions and apply them as needed.
How to protect Agapanthus from cold?
Agapanthus plants are heavy feeders and do best with organic compost worked into the soil at planting. Set the Agapanthus r hizomes with the pointed ends facing up. Cover with soil and water as needed. Protect in colder areas with a heavy mulch around the root zone to protect the plant from the cold. 'Arctic Star'.
How to grow Agapanthus?
2. Planting Your Agapanthus Rhizomes 1 Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 50ºF (10ºC). 2 Dig a hole and plant your rhizomes 2 in. deep (5 cm) and 12-18 in. apart (30-45 cm). That leaves them enough room to grow, yet close enough to help each other stay upright 3 Agapanthus plants are heavy feeders and do best with organic compost worked into the soil at planting. 4 Set the Agapanthus rhizomes with the pointed ends facing up. Cover with soil and water as needed. Protect in colder areas with a heavy mulch around the root zone to protect the plant from the cold.
What type of soil does Agapanthus prefer?
Agapanthus perform best in fertile, moist and well-drained soil. They show no preference for pH, except Agapanthus africanus which prefers an acid soil. Fully hardy to half hardy, Agapanthus are hardy in zones 8-11 and some cultivars can be grown in zone 7.
How to store agapanthus in winter?
During the winter, water lightly. Deciduous Agapanthus should be allowed to rest for the winter. Brush off the soil and allow them to dry out for a few days in a dry, warm location. Then store them wrapped in newspaper in a cool, dark location at approximately 40-50°F (4-10°C).
Can Agapanthus be left in the ground?
Overwintering. Most Agapanthus plants are winter hardy in zones 8-11, so in these climate zones the rhizomes can be left right in the ground. Some cultivars are hardy in zone 7. If you live in a colder area and you want to save your rhizomes for next summer, you may dig them up before the first frost.
How to keep a sage plant indoors?
Another alternative is to pot them up to grow indoors during winter. Keep them in a cool location, approximately 40-50°F (4-10°C), and since they have no foliage, they do not need special light.
Where do African lilies come from?
Lily Of The Nile, African Lily. Native to South Africa, Agapanthus (African Lily) are such flamboyant and exotic-looking perennials that it is impossible not to love them! Easy to grow, pest and disease free, they feature showy, rounded clusters of brightly colored flowers on stiff, upright stalks atop clumps of beautiful, long, shiny leaves.
How do agapanthus blooms work?
The agapanthus blooms appear in clusters at each end of their flowering stems. The bracts protect the blue flowers from any damage as they rise from the leaves. The bracts begin to pull back as they mature and reveal tiny blue buds. They then open in succession, working their way up from the bottom.
What color are agapanthus flowers?
Blue is the most popular color for agapanthus flowers. However, they can be found in many shades, with a few streaks of darker blue down the petals. Agapanthus is also available in white. A few varieties even have both blue and white flowers.
Where does Agapanthus grow?
This sun-loving summer beauty should be planted in any form that you prefer. Agapanthus is native to southern Africa, where they grow in free-draining, rocky environments. That makes it problematic for the roots to reach the water they need and forces them to plant well in constrained areas.
What are the leaves of agapanthus?
There are many varieties of agapanthus that have variegated leaves. These greens have a cream-colored or white stripe along the edges. This contrasts with the plant’s blue flowers.
What is an agapanthus?
Agapanthus (African Lily) is a plant that will grow almost anywhere and thrives on neglect. From the wilderness of floral fashion, the humble agapanthus suddenly is the height of horticultural chic. Their hardy ubiquity, especially at the seaside, has made them an almost iconic state bloom.
When do agapanthus start dormancy?
You can start their dormancy when fall arrives by withholding water. You can move the more delicate evergreen varieties into a frost-free environment like a greenhouse or near a bright window in your home. Others can be left alone and watered sparingly until spring. Agapanthus loves regular watering.
Do agapanthus plants need water?
Agapanthus loves regular watering. They don’t like to dry for too long. To prevent future blooms from being affected by stress, it is essential to water consistently after each bloom cycle has ended. The good idea is to fertilize agapanthus plants regularly, as they are prolific bloomers.
Why aren't my agapanthus flowers flowering?
This is often due to plants being grown in pots or nutrient-rich compost that offer too much root room. Reduce the size of the container – plants that are very happy don’t see the need to flower.
When do Agapanthus bloom?
Agapanthus africanus ‘Headbourne Hybrids’ – offering a very full head of lilac-blue flowers in August to October that are held on stems 1m in height. A deciduous type that will overwinter in a sunny, sheltered spot. A popular plant. Agapanthus africanus ‘Albus’ – stunning white flowers from August to October.
When does Agapanthus inapertus bloom?
Agapanthus inapertus ‘Midnight Cascade’ – dark blue flowers from August to September. Needs a sheltered spot to overwinter outside. Reaches a height of 70cm. Agapanthus ‘Blue Triumphator’ – Clear blue flowers in August and September. Needs a sheltered spot to overwinter outside.
Is Agapanthus evergreen?
Agapanthus are either evergreen or deciduous. Deciduous agapanthus are hardier than evergreen types, and can survive British winters if grown in a sheltered spot. They’re also able to cope with salty sea winds, making them the perfect choice for a coastal garden.
Do Agapanthus flower in pots?
Agapanthus tend to flower better if their roots are restricted, so do well in pots.
Can agapanthus survive winter?
Some tender, evergreen agapanthus may survive winter, but it’s best to move them indoors in case of severe winter weather. Lift garden plant and pot them up in a cool, light but frost-free place for winter, and move pot-grow agapanthus under cover, too.
Do you cut back a lily in December?
Do not Cut back in December. Agapanthus, also commonly known as African lily, are perennials native to South Africa. They make an excellent cut flower. Loved for their loose globe-shaped summer flower heads in blues, lilacs and whites, they’re ideal specimens for containers. Agapanthus are either evergreen or deciduous.
How hot can agapanthus grow?
Once established clumps of deciduous agapanthus can withstand -10ºC to -15ºC as long as the ground is well drained, although the number of flowers can be reduced after a hard winter. Plants generally recover after hard weather though. Dark-flowered varieties, verging on black, tend to be shy flowerers.
Where do agapanthus trees grow?
The agapanthus’ other common name, Lily of the Nile, is misleading for they don’t grow near the River Nile. All the species are found in South Africa and some are evergreen ( Agapanthus africanus and Agapanthus praecox) and others deciduous, depending on which side of the Cape they grow on.
How tall is the dark agapanthus?
Most dark agapanthus are shy to flower: this one’s an exception. 70cm/ 2.2ft. ‘Margaret’. A Yorkshire-bred variety selected for outdoor hardiness and flower power by Steve Hickman, although it’s also good in a pot.
What is the name of the agapanthus?
Agapanthus, also known as African lilies or Lily of the Nile, provide cool colour during summer. White agapanthus in a border at Kew Gardens. Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' photographed by Richard Loader. Agapanthus 'Northern Star' in a container photographed by Val Bourne.
What is the best compost for agapanthus?
Terracotta is ideal. Make sure your pots have almost straight sides, because tapered lily pots and tall slender pots will blow over. Use John Innes no 2 compost and, when you buy a new agapanthus, use a pot that’s just slightly larger than your plants. They struggle if there’s too much space round their roots.
Can agapanthus grow in pots?
Growing agapanthus in pots. The choice is far wider when you opt for growing agapanthus in pots, because hardiness becomes less of an issue. Agapanthus look more impressive in pots too, because they are raised up above the pot and therefore reach four to five feet.
How many species of African lily are there?
These South African bulbous plants have been selected and hybridised from only six to fourteen species, depending on which botanist you believe. The name, agapanthus, translates as ‘love flower’ but they’re more commonly known as the African lily.
How should I care for agapanthus in pots?
Care for Agapanthus in Pots. Care for agapanthus in pots is easy. Place the pot in full sun and fertilize regularly. The plant should survive in the shade, but it won’t produce many flowers. Water regularly. Agapanthus comes in both half hardy and full hardy varieties, but even the full hardy ones will likely need some help to get through ...
How to make a compost pot for plants?
Instead of regular potting soil, choose a soil-based compost mix. Fill your container part of the way up with the mix, then set the plants so that the foliage begins an inch (2.5 cm.) or so below the rim. Fill in the rest of the space around the plants with more compost mix.
Where does Agapanthus grow?
It produces beautiful, blue, trumpet-like flowers in the summer. It can be planted directly in the garden, but growing agapanthus in pots is very easy and worthwhile.
Can I plant agapanthus in a pot?
Planting Agapanthus in Containers. Agapanthus needs extremely well-draining, but somewhat water retentive, soil to survive. This may be hard to achieve in your garden, which is why growing agapanthus in pots is such a good idea. Terra cotta pots look especially good with the blue flowers.
When should I bring my flower pot indoors?
The simplest thing to do is to bring your whole container indoors in the autumn – cut back spent flower stalks and faded foliage and keep it in a light, dry area. Don’t water as much as in the summer, but make sure the soil doesn’t get too dry.
