Step By Step, My Guide to Picture Perfect Flowers😊
Courtesy of Jonathan Billinger / Blue Agapanthus-featured image
We value the agapanthus (also called the African Lily or the Lily of the Nile) for its vibrant spheres of blossoms that show tall above other flowers on stiff and slender stalks. You will see the flowers in summer; each is trumpet-shaped, and together the flowers, as many as 100 make up the big globes of color. In addition, you will find the blooms appearing in many shades of blue, purple, and white, some with pink highlights. The flower colors are solid or variegated, sometimes highlighting stripes, colored edges, or throats.





The agapanthus in bloom, creates a striking display in the garden. Use the plant in beds, borders, or containers. When not in bloom the curved strap-like leaves make an attractive green or variegated ground cover.
For how long do agapanthus remain in bloom?
Expect your plant to bloom for about six weeks in summer. Some varieties will be in bloom for most of the summer. There are many choices among agapanthus varieties and cultivars, check the features of any plant you are interested in growing.
Here is a List of Long-Blooming Agapanthus Varieties
Agapanthus ‘Arctic Star’: Produces large clusters of pure white flowers that bloom for weeks.
Agapanthus ‘Black Pantha’: Features beautiful blue-black flowers that last a long time.
Agapanthus ‘Albus’: An evergreen variety with white trumpet-shaped flowers that provide a late summer display.
Agapanthus ‘Headbourne Hybrids’: Known for their extended blooming season with vibrant blue flowers.
Agapanthus ‘Brilliant Blue’: Offers long-lasting, striking blue blooms.
Agapanthus ‘Ever Sapphire’: Produces deep blue flowers that bloom for an extended period.
Agapanthus ‘Twister’: Features unique twisted flowers that bloom for a long time.
Agapanthus ‘Silver Moon’: Has silvery-blue flowers that last throughout the blooming season.
Our Plan to Ensure As Many Blooms as Possible





Sun
Your agapanthus and mine will thrive in full sun; plan in most cases to give them 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. However, in the hot South Florida environment where we garden (Zone 10), we lighten the time to 4 hours of sun.
Nutrition
First, plant your agapanthus in soil with superior drainage, plenty of organic matter, and slightly acidic. If you are growing your agapanthus in a container look for three elements for your soil; include compost, some fine sand or grit, and perlite.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer: Agapanthus benefits from a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10).
Fertilize during the growing season: Apply the fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Repeat every 6-8 weeks until late summer when the plant finishes blooming.
Organic options: If you prefer organic fertilizers, compost or well-rotted manure can also provide essential nutrients.
Avoid over-fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. I will make an effort not to be too eager!
When to Feed Agapanthus
To feed agapanthus and encourage continuous blooming, fertilize them twice a year in early spring and again a couple of months later with a balanced fertilizer that is slightly higher in phosphorus than nitrogen, like a 10-10-10 or 5-10-15 mix; avoid high nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaf growth over flowers; water well after feeding, and remember to stop fertilizing late in the summer to allow the plant to prepare for winter dormancy.
Water
Water thoroughly: After applying fertilizer, water the plant well to help the nutrients reach the roots. Agapanthus prefers moist, well-drained soil.
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.
Other Ways I Will Try to Improve Agapanthus Blooms
Deadheading
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly. This can encourage the plant to produce more blooms instead of putting energy into seed production.
Deadheading agapanthus is a simple process and can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Here’s how and when to do it:
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 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.
Don’t give agapanthus roots too much space, and once planted in the ground, established clumps of plants will go on for years undisturbed. Every 3-5 years, in spring or fall, you can divide your clumps and create new plants.
For agapanthus plants in containers: Don’t over-pot agapanthus. The plant is productive in spaces where other plants of similar size will not be successful. Start with a 12″ diameter pot for a single plant. Place your agapanthus against a wall of the container and put something bright and trailing in front. Use the same pot until the plant fills the space. Some agapanthus fanciers leave the plants too long and break the pots. Be attentive to the potted plants.
Winter Care: If you’re in a region with cold winters, agapanthus may need some protection. In warmer climates like ours, this isn’t usually a concern. Protect in-ground plants with mulch and move potted plants into a sheltered location. (The roots of potted plants are more vulnerable to cold than those in the ground. Water plants in winter very rarely.
Summary,
Providing the right growing conditions is key to ensuring your agapanthus blooms reliably. Choose a sunny location where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant your agapanthus in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. This will help to provide moisture without becoming waterlogged. While agapanthus can tolerate some shade, full sun exposure boosts flower production. Regular watering is crucial, especially during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and control weeds, creating a conducive environment for blooming.
Fertilizing is another vital aspect of promoting blooms. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to support new growth. To prolong flowering, deadhead the spent blooms by cutting the flower stems back to the base, which encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing new flowers. Agapanthus plants may become overcrowded over time, hindering blooming. If this happens, divide the clumps every 3 to 4 years during early spring or late summer to rejuvenate the plants and stimulate better flowering. With these care practices, your agapanthus should reward you with reliable and abundant blooms.
Happy Digging!