Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile or African blue lily, is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add instant color and texture to any landscape. With their vibrant blue, purple, or white blooms atop tall stalks, agapanthus plants are a popular choice for borders, containers, and mass plantings. However, to ensure your agapanthus thrives, choosing the right size and variety is crucial. In this article, we’ll guide you through selecting the perfect agapanthus for your garden.
Understanding Agapanthus Size Varieties
Agapanthus comes in a range of sizes, from petite dwarf cultivars under a foot tall to giant varieties reaching up to 6 feet high. The right size depends on factors like your garden dimensions, planting location, and personal preferences. Here’s an overview of the main agapanthus sizes:
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Dwarf agapanthus – Perfect for containers or small spaces these cute compact agapanthus reach 8-12 inches tall. They produce dainty flower clusters and are low maintenance, ideal for beginners.
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Mid-sized agapanthus – The most common these agapanthus grow 2-4 feet tall. With their large blooms on towering stems mid-sized varieties work well as borders or bed backdrops. Regular care is needed.
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Large agapanthus – Reaching up to 6 feet, these imposing agapanthus make excellent focal points and statement pieces. But they require diligent pruning and fertilizing to stay vigorous.
Factors In Choosing Agapanthus Varieties
Along with size, also consider bloom time, color, and hardiness when selecting agapanthus varieties:
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Flower color – Blue is the classic, but white and purple varieties also exist. Go for what complements your color scheme.
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Bloom time – Most agapanthus bloom in mid-summer, but some newer types bloom earlier or later in the season.
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Hardiness – Check your USDA zone, as agapanthus hardiness ranges from zones 7-11. Some are evergreen, others deciduous.
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Planting location – Sun exposure, soil type, and other environmental factors will also impact which agapanthus will thrive.
Top Agapanthus Variety Picks
Here are some of the most popular agapanthus varieties gardeners love:
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‘Little Galaxy’ – A breakthrough compact agapanthus that’s hardy to zone 6, with abundant blue blooms. Perfect for pots.
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‘Queen Mum’ – Huge, eye-catching white flower heads on sturdy 3 foot stems make a dramatic statement. For mild climates.
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‘Blue Yonder’ – Vibrant striped blue blooms on 3 foot scapes. Extremely cold hardy and loves bees and butterflies.
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‘Storm Cloud’ – Deep midnight blue flowers on robust foliage. Stunning but less winter hardy, so best for zones 8+.
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‘Peter Pan’ – A true dwarf agapanthus with deep blue flower clusters under 18 inches tall. Ideal for poolside planting.
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‘Albus’ – Lovely for seaside gardens, this variety has pristine white trumpets on glossy foliage. Evergreen in zones 8-11.
Growing Tips for Healthy Agapanthus
To get the most out of your agapanthus, proper care and maintenance is key:
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Sun and soil – Agapanthus thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade.
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Water – Establish new plants, then water deeply just once or twice weekly. Soil should be moist but not soggy.
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Fertilizer – Use a balanced fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. Boost phosphorus in fall for better blooms.
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Spacing – Give agapanthus adequate breathing room, spacing plants 1-2 feet apart depending on mature size.
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Pruning – Cut back spent blooms to prolong flowering. Divide congested clumps every 3-5 years in early spring.
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Overwintering – Mulch the roots and protect with a mini-greenhouse to help tender varieties survive winter.
Creative Ways to Use Agapanthus
Thanks to their versatility, here are some fun ways to incorporate agapanthus into your landscape:
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Plant in drifts of 30+ plants for a meadow-like effect.
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Combine with spiky plants like crocosmia for texture contrast.
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Display singly as accents in a mixed flower border.
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Grow in containers on patios, verandas, and poolside.
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Use the dwarf cultivars as edging plants along walkways and beds.
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Grow as cut flowers for stunning summer arrangements.
No matter which agapanthus you choose, proper spacing, care and creative use will ensure your Lily of the Nile thrives. With so many sizes and varieties, you’re sure to find your perfect plant match. Just remember – when it comes to agapanthus, size matters, so choose wisely!
In a Contemporary Setting
Packing a simple container with tall-stemmed agapanthus plays off the modern-but- warm mood of this garden. The blue flower amps up the nearby bluestone paving.
In a Natural Setting
Blowsy grasses, seed heads of wildflowers, and stands of Queen Annes lace might not be your first thought with agapanthus. However, this smaller-flowering variety is relaxed and at home there.
CHOOSING & GROWING AGAPANTHUS
FAQ
Where is the best place to plant agapanthus?
Are there different sizes of agapanthus?
What is the most reliable agapanthus?
How much space do you need between agapanthus?
Can Agapanthus grow in pots?
If you’re growing agapanthus in pots, plant rhizomes in spring, 1 inch deep and 8 inches apart. Use a fertile, well-draining potting mix and a container with drainage holes. A 12-inch diameter pot is the right size to accommodate one plant, but plants bloom best when they are pot-bound.
How far apart should Agapanthus rhizomes be planted?
In zones 7 and lower, plant in spring when soil temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the rhizomes two inches deep and 12 to 18 inches apart. The pointed end faces upward. Add a heavy layer of mulch for cold weather protection. If you’re growing agapanthus in pots, plant rhizomes in spring, 1 inch deep and 8 inches apart.
How much sun does Agapanthus need?
Use a fertile, well-draining potting mix and a container with drainage holes. A 12-inch diameter pot is the right size to accommodate one plant, but plants bloom best when they are pot-bound. Agapanthus requires full sun, six to eight hours daily, to produce better blooms. In hot climates, plants benefit from afternoon shade.
Can you replant Agapanthus?
Replant as you would a new agapanthus plant. The most effective technique for multiplying agapanthus plants is division. Although seeds can be collected from faded flowers and planted directly in the soil, this is not the recommended method for propagating agapanthus plants.