Agapanthus are brilliant plants for summer borders, offering structure, drama, elegance and grace. They also look great in a series of pots lining a path or the edge of a terrace. There are whoppers standing over 1m (4ft) tall, down to more compact varieties at half that size, which make them ideal for small container gardens. Their colours are fantastic, ranging from bright blues and vivid purples to subtle whites and bi-colours. To find the right plant for your space, take a look at our range of agapanthus plants.
As a gardening enthusiast I’m always looking for ways to improve the health and productivity of the plants in my garden. One flower that never fails to impress is the beautiful agapanthus also known as the African lily or Lily of the Nile. With its elegant clusters of blue or white blooms rising atop long stalks, this striking perennial is a summertime showstopper. But did you know that hand-pollinating your agapanthus can significantly increase its yield?
In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to pollinating your agapanthus plants and explain why this extra bit of care is worth the effort. Read on to learn everything you need to know to maximize the number of seeds, blooms, and nectar from your agapanthus!
Why Hand-Pollinate Agapanthus?
While agapanthus plants are self-fertile. meaning they can self-pollinate without any help lending them a hand can boost productivity in a few key ways
- Produces more seeds for propagating new plants
- Encourages larger blooms
- Increases nectar production to attract more pollinators
So hand-pollinating helps the plant reproduce more abundantly. And by attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden, it also supports the local ecosystem. It’s a win-win!
When to Pollinate
Aim to pollinate agapanthus flowers early in their bloom period for best results. This is when the blooms are fresh and most receptive to pollen.
Agapanthus generally flowers in mid to late summer. Monitor your plants closely and watch for flower stalks to emerge with bulbous buds. The buds will eventually open into the characteristic star-shaped blooms.
Once the flowers open fully, inspect the anthers in the center of the bloom daily. These small sacs will release golden pollen when ready. Pollinate promptly once pollen is visible to maximize viability.
How to Hand-Pollinate Step-By-Step
You’ll need a few simple tools:
- Small paintbrush or cotton swab
- Tweezers (optional)
- Gloves
Here are the easy steps:
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Choose a dry, low-wind day to avoid pollen blowing away.
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Put on gloves to avoid skin irritation from the plant’s toxins.
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Collect pollen by gently brushing the paintbrush against the anthers to pick up pollen grains.
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Transfer the pollen-loaded brush to the stigma of another agapanthus bloom. The stigma is located atop the pencil-like pistil in the flower’s center.
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Repeat across multiple flowers to thoroughly distribute pollen. Use a clean brush for each flower to prevent disease transmission.
And that’s all there is to it! Proper hand-pollination takes patience but is incredibly rewarding.
5 Tips for Successful Pollination
Follow these tips to ensure your hand-pollination efforts translate to better agapanthus yields:
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Handle blooms gently to avoid damage and accidentally removing pollen.
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Use a fresh brush for every flower to prevent transmitting diseases.
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Pollinate early morning or late afternoon when pollen is most viable.
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Label pollinated flowers to track seed pods and flowering next season.
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Remove spent blooms to encourage new bud production.
Caring for Your Agapanthus
While pollinating will boost yields, providing optimal care year-round is equally important for healthy, vibrant agapanthus. Here are some key pointers:
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Plant in full sun to encourage prolific flowering. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is best.
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Water regularly, especially in summer. Established plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week.
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Feed with balanced fertilizer in spring and summer. Use one formulated for bulbs or roses.
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Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years. Replant the younger, exterior sections.
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Mulch in fall to insulate roots from harsh winter temperatures if needed.
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Prune old leaves and stems in winter to improve air circulation and tidiness.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If your agapanthus still struggles to flower well despite attempts at pollination, a few issues could be to blame:
Lack of sun – Too much shade prevents bud development. Relocate to a sunnier area.
Underwatering – Dry soil inhibits flowering. Ramp up watering frequency.
Overcrowding – Congested clumps won’t bloom well. Divide and replant.
Pests/disease – Fungal diseases and pests impede flowering. Treat promptly.
Winter damage – Harsh winters prevent buds from forming. Provide winter protection.
The Rewarding Benefits of Pollinating Agapanthus
If you’ve had success pollinating your agapanthus, I’d love to hear about your experiences and techniques in the comments! And if you’re on the hunt for agapanthus plants to add to your garden, check your local nurseries or order bareroot plants online during the dormant season. Happy gardening!
growing agapanthus in a pot
Agapanthus perform best where root development is restricted, as restricted roots encourage flower formation. This makes agapanthus well suited to being grown in pots, especially the evergreen types which can then be brought into a conservatory or greenhouse for the winter. Agapanthus dont like to be planted into pots that are too spacious as this will encourage leaf growth rather than flower production. Ideally, they perform best where root development is restricted but the plants are well watered and fed. Try two or three plants to a medium-sized pot, around 30cm (12in) in diameter. You will need to re-pot your plants in two or three years’ time so choose a pot with straight sides which will make removal of the rootball easier. Use a loam based compost like John Innes No3 and include one part horticultural grit or gravel. Plant with the crown just below the soil compost. Ensure that you feed them during the growing season. Feed weekly or fortnightly with a balanced liquid feed during the growing season until flowers begin to show colour. If the plants become root bound, split and replant in fresh compost.
why is my agapanthus not flowering?
Frost may have affected the plant over winter, reducing flowering the following summer. Another thing to consider is the roots – if you have planted your agapanthus in a large pot, you will likely get lots of leaves and very few flowers, while restricted roots in a smaller pot encourage flower formation. If the agapanthus is in a pot, underwatering and lack of fertiliser may also reduce flowering the following season.
Agapanthus has a toxic sap which can irritate skin. Avoid contact with the sap by wearing gloves when handling the plant.
Some are evergreen, others are deciduous. Evergreen types need to be brought undercover over winter.
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FAQ
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