Agapanthus, also known as Lily of the Nile, is one of my all time favorite bloomers! These, along with bougainvilla {check back next week!}, are reason enough pack up and head for a sunnier climate. Stunning firework-like blossoms emerge from the evergreen foliage in early summer. Depending on the variety, blooms can range from dark to light purple and white. Even though they are only hardy in USDA zones 8-11, they are definitely a worthwhile purchase for gardeners in less temperate climates. While obviously showy in planting beds, they also make wonderful focal points in containers. Try them as an alternative to a draceana spike. Dwarf varieties like ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Baby Pete’ are the better for smaller containers, if you’re planting with companion plants. Or you can let larger varieties like ‘Midnight Blue’ and ‘Blue Storm’ steal the show in solo plantings or bigger containers. As an added bonus Agapanthus is a great cutting flower that you can add to any bouquet. Bring a little bit summer color to your garden and your kitchen counter!
USDA zones: 8-11
Exposure: full sun
Bloom time: early summer to fall
Photo attribution: my husband, Marcus Draper
Over the years, agapanthus rhizomes form clumps can be easily divided to make new plants. The best time to do this is in the spring and the early part of summer, or in the early part of autumn, after the plants have ceased blooming. Make sure that there are two spots with little shoots in each division. Do not divide the plants too often, because that will decrease the blooming of the original plant. Only divide large clumps every four to six years. Root bound potted plants can be divided every 4-5 years. It’s best to divide after flowering, but it can be done at any time. Use a very sharp knife to cut each clump into sections, complete with roots attached, and pot the sections up. Divisions might not flower until the following year.