How to Grow Agapanthus

Agapanthus, also known as African blue lily or Lily of the Nile, looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. It has dark green, strap shaped leaves that grow up to 20 inches long; these make a beautiful accent planting even without the blossoms. The stems of agapanthus grow up to 39 inches tall with rounded heads of blue or white flowers. Suitable for USDA zones 8 to 11, although they can be grown indoors in cooler areas.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel or bulb digger
• Compost or decayed manure
• Agapanthus
• Water
• Complete plant food
• Pruning shears
• Straw or dry leaves

Instructions

1. Select the site for the agapanthus. They need full sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter several weeks before planting. In colder areas, plant agapanthus near a south-facing wall.

2. Plant agapanthus in early spring. Use a shovel or bulb digger to plant the bulbs 2 inches deep and about 6 to 10 inches apart. Cover with soil and tamp the soil down gently to remove air bubbles. Water the bulbs generously, to the point that the soil is soaked.

3. Water agapanthus regularly, depending upon the rainfall, and especially when establishing new plantings. Do not let new plants dry out; however, if the ground stays wet for long periods of time, it can kill the flowers. Once established, agapanthus can cope with long dry periods and it doesn’t need watering in the fall or winter.

4. Apply a complete plant food to the agapanthus in the early spring. Container plants will do better with slow-release granules. The only pest problem agapanthus has are snails. Pick these off.

5. Watch for the agapanthus to bloom in mid to late summer. These interesting blooms last for weeks. Cut off spent flower stems and dead leaves. Protect the crowns during the winter with a thick mulch of straw or dry leaves.

6. Divide the agapanthus in the spring. Dig up the clump and divide, making sure that each section has a crown and a healthy batch of roots. You can trim the roots and remove any leaves if you need. Replant 2 inches deep and 6 to 10 inches apart.

Tips & Warnings

• Plunge the stems of agapanthus in boiling water for 15 seconds immediately after cutting to use in floral arrangements.

• Agapanthus has dwarf varieties that reach about 8 inches.

• Allow the seed heads to dry to use in dry floral arrangements.