Agapanthus Planting Information

If You Love Blue. . .

Agapanthus can be counted on to produce some of the best blues in the summer garden, with big flowers comprised of up to 100 tiny tubular florets and framed by deep green, strap-like leaves. Available in many shades of blue, the flowers of this South African plant provide clear, brilliant color over many weeks and after blooming has past, develop seed heads, which are useful for winter arrangements. While agapanthus vary in their degree of winter hardiness, in areas colder than zone 8, these beauties are best grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter.

Outdoor Beds

1. Find a location where the soil drains well. If there are still water puddles 5-6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site. Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2"-3" to improve the drainage. Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and are widely available. Agapanthus will not survive in soils that are water logged.

2. Site your agapanthus where they will receive full sun to light shade. 

3. Plant the bulbs 2" deep and 4-6" apart.

4. After planting, water your bulbs generously, soaking the soil.  Roots and top growth will form within a few weeks. Provide supplemental water, as needed in the spring and summer. The soil can be allowed to dry out in the fall and winter.

5. Flowers develop during the summer and last for weeks. Feel free to cut blooms for arrangements as this will not hurt your plants.

6. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off.  The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show. Water lightly, if at all during the fall and winter. (In cold areas, bring your plants indoors when night temperatures begin to drop to the low 40s.)

7. Your agapanthus will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.

Pots, Tubs & Urns

1. Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained soil. Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; agapanthus bulbs must never sit in waterlogged soil or they will rot.

2. Site your agapanthus where they will receive full sun to light shade. These are great container plants for pool or patio edges and around deck perimeters.

3. Plant the bulbs 2" deep and 4-6" apart.

4. After planting, water your bulbs generously, soaking the soil.  Roots and top growth will form within a few weeks. Provide supplemental water, as needed in the spring and summer. The soil can be allowed to dry out in the fall and winter.

5. Flowers develop during the summer and last for weeks. Feel free to cut blooms for arrangements as this will not hurt your plants.

6. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off.  The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show. Water lightly, if at all during the fall and winter. (In cold areas, bring your plants indoors when night temperatures begin to drop to the low 40s.)

7. Your agapanthus will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.