What is the lifespan of an agapanthus?
Description. Agapanthus praecox is a variable species with open-faced flowers. It is a perennial plant that can live for up to 75 years. By choosing Agapanthus, you’re not just selecting a beautiful plant; you’re also making a sustainable choice. Its low water and soil requirements contribute to a more eco-friendly garden, reducing the need for fertilizers and extensive watering.Avoid fertilizing your Agapanthus plants with high nitrogen fertilizers – use instead a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-5-5, or slightly higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. Suspend any fertilizer to either potted or in-ground plants by late summer.Caring for Agapanthus Feeding: Use high-potash feed every 2–4 weeks once shoots appear. Tomato fertiliser is effective. Supplement with a general fertiliser early in the season for strong foliage growth. Mulching: In colder regions, apply a thick mulch over the crown in late autumn to protect from frost.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.There are numerous plants that can make excellent companions for agapanthus. These include roses, lavender, westringia, ornamental grasses, and even edible herbs. These plants complement agapanthus not only in terms of aesthetics but also in their similar growing requirements.
Where do Agapanthus grow best?
Grow all agapanthus in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid planting in shade as they won’t flower much. In the border, ideally plant your agapanthus in spring. If they are growing in containers, plant them the same depth that they are in the pot. Reblooming Agapanthus ensure an extended season of color, repeatedly producing fresh agapanthus buds and flowers well into late summer and even early fall.Plant in full sun – agapanthus require direct sunlight for at least two-thirds of the day. Too much shade and the flower stems will become weak and extended, if they appear at all.She explains that agapanthus self-seeds and if you don’t deadhead the plant then they may spread seeds around your garden, causing new plants to grow in unwanted places.Once your Agapanthus has finished flowering for Spring, you can cut off the stem leaving the foliage to die back naturally. This will feed the bulbs for them to flower again the following the year.
Do Agapanthus come back year after year?
Agapanthus are perennials which means they come back each year. Most are hardy, and their leaves will die back each winter before returning in the spring. Evergreen types tend to be more tender, so will need some protection in the winter and early spring. In places with cold winters, agapanthus plants will need to be brought indoors for protection. They should be potted up and placed in a sunny window. Most species are borderline hardy in zones 6 and 7, so plants left outdoors will need to be heavily mulched and potentially covered during hard freezes.Yellow leaves in winter are often a sign of natural dormancy, especially in deciduous agapanthus varieties like Agapanthus inapertus. This seasonal dieback helps the plant conserve energy in its rhizome. Allow the foliage to die back naturally and only remove it once fully brown and dry.Agapanthus are perennials which means they come back each year. Most are hardy, and their leaves will die back each winter before returning in the spring. Evergreen types tend to be more tender, so will need some protection in the winter and early spring.It is possible for Agapanthus to self-seed. If you leave the flowerheads and seed pods on the plant, there is a chance they will burst, and spread their seeds across your borders and flower beds.
Are agapanthus better in pots or garden?
Agapanthus plants are quite happy to be grown in pots. In fact, the evergreen types that are not fully hardy may be better off in containers so they can be protected from frost over winter in a cool greenhouse. Winter care Most evergreen agapanthus are frost hardy to -5°C. In cold areas, they’re best grown in pots so they can be wrapped in biodegradable or recycled fleece, or moved to a cold greenhouse.Agapanthus dislike being waterlogged over winter and, if you live in a colder part of the country and are prone to frosts, it may be preferable to grow agapanthus in large pots or containers. These can then be brought in for the winter into a light, dry, cool and frost free environment.Once your Agapanthus has finished flowering for Spring, you can cut off the stem leaving the foliage to die back naturally. This will feed the bulbs for them to flower again the following the year.Ideally agapanthus should be planted close to a wall for shelter against the wind and in full sun. Avoid planting in shade as it will limit flowering. The key to agapanthus flowering is where it is planted. If your agapanthus produces little to no flowers, consider moving it to a sunnier position.