Agapanthus

The Agapanthus, or African Lily, is a truly beautiful plant that hails from warmer climbs but is surprisingly well suited to our climate. A drought tolerant plant, which is well suited to container growing, the Agapanthus also makes for an excellent border plant and will help to add a touch of the exotic and splashes of purple, blue or white to the garden.

How to grow

Agapanthus are relatively easy to grow. Agapanthus are ideally planted in Spring, however, pot grown plants can be added to the garden any time during spring and later in to the year. When you receive your plants you should ensure they are well watered and plant them as soon as possible. If you cannot plant immediately you should ensure that plants are kept moist and placed in a bright and cool space.

Position

Agapanthus are true sun lovers and as such a spot in full sun is essential. Place plants at the front or middle of borders for best results. If planted in shade plants will produce very few flowers and lots of strap like foliage. They are well suited to container growing and as they are drought tolerant they will place less demands on you in terms of watering.

Soil

A well drained, moisture retentive and fertile soil is ideal when growing Agapanthus. When planting ensure that you prepare the area well by incorporating plenty of organic matter, such as well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost, along with an application of general fertilizer . This will help to improve soil structure and drainage but also hold some essential moisture and feed plants.

Care

To help plants establish you should water them regularly, taking care not to waterlog plants, and ensure they do not dry out completely. A regular application of liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season will help to produce strong and healthy plants and also improve flowering. Once flower heads have faded remove them with Ratcheting Pruners so that plants do not put all their energy in to seed production.

Top Tip

Mulch plants in Autumn/Winter with a dry layer of straw or strulch to a depth of around 22cm (9”). This will help insulate your Agapanthus and reduce the harmful effects of a cold winter. Remove the mulch early on in the season prior to new growth developing.

Blue Water Beads

Use Blue Water Beads to match or contrast with your décor. Place them in a clear pretty bowl or decorated plate with an upturned rim. Mix with other contrast colors from your overall color scheme to pull this together as a centerpiece. It will be a real conversation starter!

Clear Water Beads

Use Clear Water Beads when you just want the delivery system without making a color statement. Mix clear Water Beads with a color to create a lighter effect. Layer them with other colors to provide more visual interest.

Green Water Beads

Use Green Water Beads as a nice understory for potted plants, or a neutral color in a clear vase with a multi-colored bouquet. Layer with Clear for a lighter touch.

Melon Water Beads

Use Melon Water Beads to enhance the color of pink or red flowers, or contrast with white ones.

Orange Water Beads

Use Orange Water Beads to spice up a room. This color works well with Southwest style decorating. Layer them with Teal and Clear for a truly stunning display.

Pink Water Beads

Use Pink Water Beads for a light touch of color to complement pink flowers or contrast with white or purple ones. Put them into a clean candle jar with a tight fitting lid and decorate a little girl’s room.

Purple Water Beads

Use Purple Water Beads in urn-shaped vase as an addition to a contemplation nook. Purple is the color of spirituality and calm, so let these beautiful Water Beads become a focal point for your meditative or prayerful practice.

Teal Water Beads

Use Teal Water Beads to complement aqua and teal colored flowers – like those interesting dyed carnations! Combine with orange and white for southwest style decorating. Combine with clear to remind you of Native American turquoise and silver jewelry.