How to Get Every Bloom!
Agapanthus are beautiful plants; their foliage is a splendid groundcover all year long but the blooming flowers are the stars of the show! With large round globes of up to 90 individual flowers, high on stiff stems, and a reasonable blooming season they are a spectacular element in the garden. Agapanthus will bloom for six weeks and some varieties will stay in bloom for 10-12 weeks. Experienced gardeners also know that agapanthus bulbs are a planter’s investment lasting 75 years in many cases. With the exception of the Peony, I know of no other ‘bulb’ that will fit so clearly into the investment category! Do You?
So, as useful as the curving dense green ground cover may be, we work hard to ensure that we get every bloom!
Why Are My Agapanthus Not Blooming?
Blooming agapanthus plants are a show-stopping element in the garden, but there can be frustrations in getting plants to bloom. Agapanthus of all species are low-maintenance plants, requiring little effort to maintain them. However their few requirements are very specific, and performance depends on fulfilling them.
Why Agapanthus Won’t Bloom!
Find solutions to these problems first.
- My plant is just too young. An agapanthus planted from seed will take up to five years to grow. Buying an established plant from your garden center should give you flowers in the first year.
- Too much shade: less than six hours of sun per day can inhibit blooms in most growing zones. In our zone 10 garden we try for morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon.
- Too little water or too much: Water your agapanthus when you put a finger in the soil and the top three inches are dry. Agapanthus require superior drainage, never allow your plant to have its roots in wet soil.
- The wrong soil.:
- The wrong sized container.
- Low fertility (especially when grown in pots.)
- Incorrect winter care and protection.
- Remember to deadhead.
- Agapanthus gall midge.
- Plant diseases.
The answers are below:
Ensuring your agapanthus (often called Lily of the Nile) blooms beautifully can be quite satisfying. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Sunlight: Agapanthus thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Make sure they get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
3. Watering: While agapanthus is quite drought-tolerant once established, it’s essential to water regularly during the growing season. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
2. Soil: They prefer well-drained soil. If your soil retains too much water, consider adding some sand or gravel to improve drainage. (Agapanthus africanus prefer slightly acid soil.)
4. Fertilizing: Feed your agapanthus with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring to promote strong growth and flowering
5. Winter Care: Evergreen Agapanthus should be brought inside and kept in a very bright location with temperatures in the 55-60°F range (12-15°C). During the winter, water lightly. Deciduous Agapanthus should be allowed to rest for the winter. Brush off the soil and allow them to dry out for a few days in a dry, warm location
56. Deadheading: Remove spent flowers as you see them fade. This can encourage the plant to produce more blooms instead of putting energy into seed production.
1. Timing: Deadhead agapanthus after the flowers have faded and started to wilt. This is usually during the late summer to early autumn.
2. Tools: Use a pair of clean, sharp garden scissors or pruners. Ensuring they’re clean helps prevent the spread of disease.
3. Method:
- Locate the spent flower: Identify the flower stem that has already bloomed and is beginning to wilt.
- Cutting: Follow the stem down to the base of the plant. You don’t need to go all the way to the base if you prefer, but cutting near the base keeps the plant tidy. Make your cut just above a leaf node or where the stem meets the main plant. This helps the plant to focus its energy on new growth and future blooms.
4. Disposal: Dispose of the cut stems and flowers properly. Composting them is a great option, but ensure they’re not diseased.
Deadheading helps keep your agapanthus looking neat and can encourage it to produce more flowers. Plus, it prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production
Agapanthus diseases: Agapanthus plants are generally resistant to many common pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to a few specific issues. The most common problems include fungal diseases such as crown rot and root rot, and in humid climates, Botrytis can be an issue. Additionally, Agapanthus gall midge can cause deformed and damaged flower buds
6. Winter Care: In places with cold winters, agapanthus plants will need to be brought indoors for protection. You can keep them in pots in your sunny windows. 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. In climates with heavy winter rain, the rhizomes will rot without fast drainage, so site them where the soil drains freely or where they receive overhead protection from the rain.
What Style of Garden is Best for Agapanthus
At first thought we tend to use agapanthus with their height and drama in formal gardens. They are beautiful in such gardens but there are other alternatives. Agapanthus are perfect in sun loving Mediterranean gardens (try them with the texture of Rosemary.) and they are also a perfect choice in cottage style and arts and crafts gardens.
Companion Plants
what are good companion plants for agapanthus
Agapanthus, also known as lily of the Nile, pairs well with several plants that share similar growing conditions and complement its beautiful blooms. Here are a few good companion plants for agapanthus:
- Lavender: Its aromatic scent and purple flowers create a lovely contrast with agapanthus.
- Salvia: With its spikes of blue, purple, or red flowers, salvia complements agapanthus and attracts pollinators.
- Rosemary: This hardy herb adds texture and fragrance to the garden alongside agapanthus.
- Sedum: Groundcover sedums can provide a nice base for the taller agapanthus stems.
- Daylilies: They have similar water and sunlight needs and their flowers create a stunning visual combination.
- Coreopsis: These bright yellow flowers add a pop of color and thrive in similar conditions as agapanthus.
- Echinacea: Also known as coneflowers, they bring in pollinators and their daisy-like flowers look great with agapanthus.
- Drifts of ornamental grasses.
These plants not only enhance the beauty of agapanthus but also contribute to a healthy and vibrant garden ecosystem. Happy planting.