The Allure of White Agapanthus: A Gardener’s Guide

Introduction

The white version of the Lily of the Nile, or Agapanthus is a beautiful asset to brighten a garden, day or evening. There are award-winning white varieties and you can select bulbs or plants to suit your appearance, size or zonal hardiness needs. Why is this so important? You are making an investment in your garden.Did you know that the agapanthus plant can last 75 years for you!

I can think of no other plant that lasts as long (other than the peony) and either plant is a long-term investment in your garden. An investment is worth doing your research for and choosing with care. For this reason, I will prepare reviews of white and other color agapanthus plants.

How Do We Get White Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) Aren’t They Blue?

Agapanthus flowers appear in white due to a genetic mutation in the plant. The agapanthus color is naturally blue. This white variation can happen through seed germination when a seedling develops with a white flower even when the parent plant has blue flowers. We’re told that the original ‘White Heaven’ just appeared in the grower’s field of blue agapanthus.

The agapanthus is native to South Africa and the first plants arrived in Europe in 1679. It was the spectacular spheres of blue that attracted the early traders. Nobody, then, was thinking about white. The blue agapanthus was instantly popular. Today, you can follow the route of early wooden ships carrying the plants as they were dropped off on the long trip from South Africa to Europe. Their instant popularity made them desirable everywhere along the route.

This is how we relate to the plants we desire for our gardens. Someone finds them in the wild, and over time we tweak the most appreciated of them to bring us new colors, sizes, and hardiness levels. A new cultivar takes about 10 years to bring to market. (That’s about the same amount of time that it takes to bring a new drug to market!)

What Color Will The Next Generation of My White Agapanthus Be?

If I divide my white agapanthus, the new plants that grow from the divisions I make will also have white flowers. This is because division creates genetically identical copies of the parent plant.

How To Divide Youre Mature Agapanthus

You can divide your agapanthus every three to five years. Do it just before flowering season like this. First, lift the plant out of the ground and split the root clump with a sharp spade. Ensure that each clump has at least two points of growth. (Two visible stems that can create new growth.)

However, if I grow seeds from my white agapanthus plant it should produce blue flowers, like the grandparent. This is because agapanthus plants will hybridize easily and seedling variations will occur.

So, Should I let my Valuable Plant Produce Seeds Or Grow By Division?

I want garden beauty from my agapanthus plants. Therefore my choice will to keep the plants pruned. I will remove the spent flowers and older foliage. In addition, I want my plant to produce the most flowers possible and not waste energy on seed production. Also, I know that I will get plenty of new white plants by division of this spreading plant over time.

Color, size, and hardiness zone choices of the agapanthus are traditionally limited. It naturally comes in blue and is a plant for tropical and subtropical climates. However, the advantage we have as gardeners is that agapanthus lends itself easily to hybridizations. So go over the varieties I am showing here. I am limiting this discussion to white options but you will see good variety in appearance, size and hardiness. Finally, I hope you find an investment plant for your garden!

Just What Are Agapanthus?

Agapanthus is a genus of six species of perennials with fleshy roots. They are finally in their own family, the Agapanthaceae, following years of varied taxonomical journeys. You will find six species of agapanthus, called, Agapanthus africanus, Agapanthus praecox, Agappanthus campanthus, Agapanthus caulescens, Agapanthus coddii, and Agapanthus inapertus. The first two are evergreen and the last four are deciduous. (Deciduous Agapanthus tend to have narrower leaves.)  U Wisconsin for more useful information.

Useful Information About Names of Plants

When buying agapanthus or searching for information about those you own remember these points. The words in italics are the genus and species of the plant. Following them are words in a regular text, these are varieties. If those words are surrounded by single parenthesis they are cultivars created in greenhouses. You will find that most of the high-performing plants offered to you will be cultivars.

For more plant nommenclature information read Latin for Gardeners, how to read and remember plant names.

Part 1: Varieties of White Agapanthus

• Types and Species:
  • Agapanthus africanus ‘Albus‘ Lovely clusters of bell-like white flowers on tall, upright stalks that rise above clumping, narrow, strap-like, green leaves. Remove the spent flower stems, for a good chance of reblooms. https://devilmountainnursery.com/agapanthus-africanus-albus-white/
  • Agapanthus ‘Cold Hardy White‘: Grow this variety anywhere in zones 5-10! 15″ tall x 12″-15″ wide. A cold hardy Lily of the Nile, ‘Cold Hardy White’ Agapanthus blooms in mid-summer with showy clusters of bright white flowers. Deciduous foliage. High Country Gardens.
  • https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/190582/agapanthus-snow-cloud/detai
  • Agapanthus ‘Everpanthus Ever White’ holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its striking, large-flowered blooms. This is an important plant award. From Southern Living. This is a semi-dwarf plant.
  • Agapanthus ‘Galaxy White’: This is a newer introduction, and is hardy to Zone 6. It features star-like flowers in globular clusters about five inches across,as well as attractive strap-like foliage.See Spring Hill Nursery.
  • Agapanthus ‘Glacier Stream:’ bright white globes of delicate, trumpet-shaped blooms! Every flower has a pale purple stripe down the back of each petal. Easy to Grow Bulbs.
  • Agapanthus ‘Little White Bird’: This compact plant grows in a neat clump and features narrow leaves with a creamy white variegation along the leaf margins and short flower stalks bearing white blooms. It is best in zones 6-9, and grows 24-30″ H.
  • Agapanthus africanus ‘Peter Pan White’: offers true spherical clusters on short 8-12” long stems. The plant will not exceed 12-18″ high and the foliage is deep green with long and very narrow leaves.
  • Agapanthus ‘Queen Mum’:This one brings us extra large dual-colored white and violet blue flower heads and clumping strap-like foliage. Use them in beds, borders, and containers. The plant is 24-36″ H and 18-24″ W.
  • Agapanthus ‘Silver Anniversary’: This UK introduction is relatively compact, grows in zones 7b-10 and the white bloom has a slight bluish tinge.
  •  Agapanthus praecox ssp orientale ‘Snowball’: This is a dwarf variety and is highly prolific at flower production. This is more information from Ball Seed Co.
  • Agapanthus ‘Snow Cloud‘ A large flower head and an evergreen plant, suitable for warm climates.
  • Agapanthus ‘White Heaven:‘ This cultivar produces huge white globes on tall stalks. The green leaves are about 1.5 inches in width.

Characteristics of Agapanthus to Know

Evergreen v Deciduous Agapanthus

Know this feature of any agapanthus bulb or plant you are buying. Evergreen agapanthus keep their green leaves all year, deciduous agapanthus lose their leaves in fall. 

Evergreen: agapanthus are tender and need more winter protection. They can be grown year-round as houseplants but should be kept in a bright location with temperatures around 55–60°F. If temperatures drop below 55°F, insulate the roots with mulch or tent the plant with a mini greenhouse.

Deciduous: These agapanthus are hardier and can be stored in a cool, dark place over winter. You can keep them in their containers and let them dry out, or dig up the roots and wrap them in newspaper. Deciduous agapanthus should be kept at a temperature of around 40–50°F (4–10°C).

Specific Features to Look For When Choosing Your Agapanthus

• Foliage: Expect to see dense mounds of arching, strap-like leaves, they will remain attractive even when not in bloom.
• Bulbs: The agapanthus grows from a bub, specifically, a bulb-like rhizome. (A rhizome is a continuously growing underground stem.
• Flowers: Agapanthus blooms in unique large, spherical clusters of funnel-shaped flowers on tall, leafless stems, typically in shades of blue but also white varieties. 
• Growth Habit: The plant is upright, clump-forming perennial and grows from fleshy rhizomes. 
• Bloom Time: You can expect a long bloom period of about six months around the summer. 
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun, in hardiness Zones from roughly 7-9 depending on the variety. In Zone 10 we include some shade. Remember, full sun is 6-8 hours of sunshine, partial sun is from 4-6. 
• Soil Preference: Well-drained soil is an important feature.
• Native Region: In South Africa, “Agapanthus africanus” and “Agapanthus praecox”, are primarily found in the in Western Cape province, look for “africanus” in the Western Cape and “praecox” in the Eastern Cape region. Both are located in areas with winter rainfall.
• Pollinators: You will find that pollinators will be attracted to your agapanthus and it’s funnel like flowers. (see below for more information.)
• Potential Issues: In some regions, the plant can become invasive.

Agapanthus and Pollinators

Agapanthus Attract a Widely Diversified Group of Pollinators

• Bees: Both honeybees and bumblebees are frequent visitors, thanks to the rich nectar.
• Butterflies: Species like the Painted Lady and Monarch butterflies are often attracted to agapanthus.
• Hoverflies: These flies, which resemble small bees, are also excellent pollinators.
• Birds: In some regions, hummingbirds are particularly attracted to the vibrant flowers of agapanthus.

The plant not only adds beauty to your garden but also supports a diverse array of pollinators!

Section 2: How to Grow White Agapanthus

• Choosing the Right Location:
  • Find a location with full or partial sun. In our zone 10 garden, agapanthus appreciate partial shade. In cooler climates, they will grow best in full sun.
  • Make sure to pick a location with excellent drainage. Soil pH is immaterial except for Agapanthus africanus which prefers acid soil.
• Planting Tips:
  • When planting bulbs: dig holes about 12–24 inches apart, depending on the variety. Plant the bulbs 2 inches deep, with the pointy end up.
  • When planting nursery pots: dig a hole as deep as the nursery container and twice as wide. Set the plant in the ground at the same level as it was in the container. 
  • For Bare roots: Plant the roots so that the crown of the plant (the place where the root meets the shoot) is about 2 inches deep. Space the plants according to instructions for your variety.
• Watering and Fertilizing:
  • Give agapanthus a deep but infrequent watering. Let the plants dry out between watering’
  • Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-5-5, or one that’s slightly higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. You can also use an organic, liquid formula or granular application. Fertilize twice per year during the growing season.
• Pruning and Maintenance:
  • Cut back the flower stalks After the flowers fade, which is usually in late summer or early fall, cut the flower stalks back to the base of the plant. This encourages new growth and better blooms in the following year. 
  • Remove dead leaves: you can remove dead leaves by hand at the base of the plant. 
  • Cut back deciduous varieties For deciduous varieties, you can cut the stems back to about 4 inches above the ground. Keep the plant well-mulched over the winter.
  • For growing agapanthus in general and How to grow the Lily of the Nile.

How To Grow Your White Agapanthus in Containers

To grow agapanthus in containers, select a pot with very good drainage, and add a loam-based compost with sand or grit or a well-draining potting soil. Then put your plant in the pot with the crown slightly below the surface of the soil. Make sure to use a smaller pot than you might otherwise choose. For example, use a 12″ diameter pot for a single plant and only size up the pot when the plant is very tightly enclosed by the pot. This will encourage the most blooms for your potted plant. Pay attention to feed and water, this plant’s roots cannot stretch out to find nutrition.

Section 3: What Makes White Agapanthus Special

• Aesthetic Appeal of White Flowers:
  • 1.White blossoms lend a feeling of calm and serenity.
  • 2. White blooms give your eyes a break in an otherwise vibrant landscape or container garden.
  • 3. White adds light to shady areas.
  • 4. White can be seen clearly in the evening as it reflects the moonlight. You can use white agapanths in a “Moon Garden. ” Use white flowers, variegated foliage, and silver-toned plants to enjoy in the evening.
  • 5. A white border adds light to a walkway and also make an entrance look crisp and clean.

Summary,

White agapanthus, also known as Lily of the Nile or African lily, adds elegance and sophistication to any garden with its stunning white blooms. Popular varieties like ‘Snowball,’ ‘White Ice,’ and ‘Albus’ offer a range of sizes and flower shapes, making them versatile choices for both borders and containers. These hardy perennials thrive in well-draining soil and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for gardeners of all skill levels. Plant them in full sun to partial shade, and water regularly during the growing season to enjoy a lush display of white flowers from summer to early fall.

Have You Ever Wanted A White Garden?

The benefits of growing white agapanthus extend beyond their visual appeal. Their white flowers brighten up any garden space, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Additionally, white agapanthus attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy and vibrant ecosystem. With their low maintenance requirements and impressive bloom display, white agapanthus is a valuable addition to any garden, providing beauty and ecological benefits all season long.

Happy Digging!