When does Agapanthus flower? Well, they bear flowers from mid-summer until early autumn. If you are someone who has brought this beauty to your place but doesn’t know anything about it, then keep reading. Here is everything that you need to know and learn, from plantations to their flowering. This extraordinary plant is easy to grow but difficult to flower. 

Agapanthus, or African Lily, is famous for its tall stems and spherical flower on top. Its flowers are basically in shades of blue, purple, and white. Now the big question is: when do Agapanthus flower? Yes, its flowers bloom from mid-summer to early autumn. That means from June until September.

This is a relatively long flowering period, thus making it one of the favourites of most gardens.

1. Agapanthus or The African Lily

Agapanthus belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. It is an herbaceous perennial. The genus Agapanthus comprises approximately 10 to 15 species. The most common ones you see around are Agapanthus Africanus and Agapanthus praecox. Agapanthus originally originated in southern Africa (not from the Nile region). Therefore, for this reason, it grows best in hot and sunny climates. 

On the other hand, it is also possible to grow it on other continents, such as the UK and Australia, if you protect it from extreme winter and plant it in the correct spot. 

Each Agapanthus plant spreads to about 18 inches in width, and its flower height is anywhere from 1 to 4 feet. Depending on the length of the growing season, it may tower to 6 feet or more.

Agapanthus has numerous hybrids and cultivars available on the market; therefore, their flowers vary in colour, size, and growth.

Thus, there is a little variation as to when do Agapanthus flowers. Some of them are also evergreen types, providing green foliage throughout the year. Still, the blooming period for Agapanthus is more or less from June to September. 

2. What Does an Agapanthus Flower Look Like?

The flower of Agapanthus emerges from the centre of the plant, towering above the foliage and bearing clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms on top of sturdy stems. 

The Agapanthus flowers come in shades of white, purple, and blue. Their colours range from sapphire and indigo to pastel blues and white. Hence, add a burst of vibrant colour to your garden. The leaves are typically dark green, reaching a length of up to two feet. You can undoubtedly spot these flowers even from a distance.

3. Planting Agapanthus.

3.1. Planting Agapanthus in Gardens

Agapanthus can be propagated through the division of established clumps, by seeds, or by rhizomes. The most ideal time to plant Agapanthus is in the spring season. 

This means that whether you are planting Agapanthus bulbs or rhizomes, do so from the end of March until April. Some varieties of Agapanthus can be planted in September as well. Division is the most common method for its propagation; make sure each division has healthy roots and shoots.

There are a few things you should keep in mind while planting them. You should plant them about 5cm deep in the soil with their pointy ends pointing upwards. Make sure you plant them in an area where they get direct sunlight for at least two-thirds of the day. Too much shade hampers their growth.

Agapanthus, or the African lily, loves the sun. So, if you plant them in a shady area, chances are that their stems will turn weak. For the same reason, they might not even bear flowers, and you might just wonder when do agapanthus flowers throughout the year. 

3.2. Planting Agapanthus in Pots

It won’t be wrong if I say Agapanthus blooms best in containers or pots. They are happy and healthy to be growing in a pot. 

It is recommended that the evergreen species of Agapanthus be planted in a pot. The reason behind that is that they are not the hardy types and need much more care during the winter. Planting them in pots makes it easier to move them indoors or in a sheltered garden. 

In the beginning, plant them in a 20-cm-wide pot. If you see that they are wilting or their roots are trying to push out, then it is time to transfer them. Transplant them in a pot that is 2.5 to 5cm wider than the earlier pot. 

3.3. Soil type for Planting Agapanthus Plants

Agapanthus grows best in well-drained soil that has ample organic matter. They do not thrive in poor, thin, or dry soil. If you think that your garden is on the wet side or that your soil gets waterlogged, then it is best to plant Agapanthus in containers. By the way, they look amazing in pots and containers.

If you keep in mind these few things, you will be successful in planting a healthy Agapanthus in pots or in your garden. Just remind yourself to plant in the right place.

There are two types of Agapanthus species: deciduous Agapanthus and evergreen Agapanthus.

 4. Deciduous Agapanthus Species 

The deciduous types are the hardy ones that need little winter protection. They lose their leaves and almost die in winter, but reemerge in spring. Ideally, they should be brought indoors during the winter. Once they are established, they can withstand most conditions. 

5. Evergreen Agapanthus Species.

The evergreen species are the tender ones. They need extensive winter protection to thrive. So you need to watch out for them. Agapanthus gets its strength from the sun and, therefore, does not cope well in cold environments. 

 6. How to Care for Agapanthus Plants

Agapanthus plants are relatively easy to grow and maintain. Making them flower is the part that is a bit tricky. Still, they are a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers throughout the world. There are a few things that you should keep in mind if you want healthy and beautiful Agapanthus to enrich your house with its charisma. Otherwise, you would be waiting all through the year wondering when do Agapanthus flowers.

6.1. Watering

As mentioned earlier, Agapanthus grows best in well-drained soil. Therefore, it thrives well with consistent watering, especially in the first year of its growing season.

If you have chosen to plant Agapanthus in a pot, then make sure it is well-drained, as it does not like waterlogged soil. If it is a very hot and dry summer, then you may water them twice a day too. 

Once it has grown, you only need proper watering to maintain Agapanthus. The evergreen species might need a bit more care than the deciduous ones; take that in writing.

6.2. Soil

Agapanthus can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It can be sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The only thing that matters is that it should be well-drained with almost no water logging. 

In cold regions, it is advised to plant them in pots and containers. This helps to bring them indoors easily in the winter and protect them from frost. 

6.3. Feed and Fertilise.

If your Agapanthus is planted in a garden border, then it is important to feed it with a high-potassium fertiliser once a year. This will encourage flowering. A high-potash feed can do wonders. A liquid tomato feed every two weeks would be appreciated from April to October. You can also buy a soluble, potash-rich liquid fertiliser that is easily available. 

If you are successful, in giving Agapanthus the right soil and high potassium fertiliser, then half your work is done. You won’t have to think about when do Agapanthus flowers exactly.

6.4. Deadheading Agapanthus Plants

When the flower colour has completely faded, you can deadhead them by cutting off the flower buds from their stems. If there are any yellow leaves, feel free to cut them too, as they will eventually die. Try to protect all the green leaves, as they store all the energy and help grow agapanthus in the long run. You can leave the seed heads on established parts for their looks. 

6.5. Mulching Agapanthus Plants

Mulching means covering the soil or the plant with organic matter to preserve the moisture and improve the soil quality of the plant. 

In the case of Agapanthus, mulching also protects it from the winter. Layering 2-3 inches of leaves, mould, straw, or bark can be helpful in many aspects. It will retain soil moisture, support microbial activity in the soil, suppress weeds, and protect against overwintering. 

Proper mulching done in autumn insulates the roots from changing temperatures. It is beneficial for both deciduous and evergreen varieties of Agapanthus. 

6.6. Roots Restricted

Some experts believe in not giving Agapanthus roots much space to grow. On the other hand, some claim it hardly makes any difference. 

If your Agapanthus is planted on the ground and has established clumps, you should leave it undisrupted. If it is in a pot and has become pot-bound, you can try to transplant it to the next size-up pot.

Apanthus roots need limited growth to venture into. Giving them a large pot instantly will result in more leaves and no flowers, making you wonder: When does Agapanthus flower? If you fail to change the pot, then again, it will lead to the same issue, so you need to do so. 

6.7. Pests and Diseases

Most pests and diseases don’t target Agapanthus. Slugs and snails hardly try to harm them. However, thrips can be a problem sometimes, but if you are feeding and watering well, then it won’t be an issue.

The only thing you need to worry about is the Agapanthus gall midge. It is a tiny fly that lays its eggs over the flower buds. Its larvae cause abnormal development and infested buds, which fail to open. 

You can try your hand at cutting off the infected parts, but at some point, you will have to sacrifice the whole plant. It is a recent threat and has limited incidences, but it is troubling gardeners in the UK. 

At times, some fungal diseases like root rot or botrytis can happen in poor soil drainage or with bad air circulation.

6.8. Propagation of Agapanthus.

To grow the agapanthus plant, you can divide its established clumps into smaller clumps. The plus point of this method of propagation is that it gives genetically identical species. The best time to divide Agapanthus is from late March until April.

You need to carefully lift the plant out of the ground and split the root clumps with a sharp spade. Make sure each clump has two growing points. 

Now, dip each part in water for an hour to acclimatise and hydrate them. They are now ready to be replanted at about twelve inches apart in a loam-based compost. If you have a deciduous variety, you should only divide it in the fall.

The other method of growing agapanthus is through its seeds. This method may not give you the same flower colour and type, as it may cross-pollinate with other varieties. 

7. When do Agapanthus Flower?

Here is a list of a few common species of Agapanthus flowers so that you can know exactly when do Agapanthus flower. Their flowering period depends on their species. With good planning, you can have flowers from spring until the first frost in autumn. To help you visualise the plethora of options, let’s take a look at a few of the Agapanthus ranges and when they bear flowers. 

1. Peter Pan: This tiny species of Agapanthus is evergreen and blooms with light blue flowers through the summers.
2. Albus: This is a pure white Agapanthus which blooms from late summer to early autumn
3. Snow Storm: This plant bears snow-like white flowers clusters from late summer to early autumn
4. Lilac Flash: This peculiar species produces uncommon lilac-coloured flowers in July.
5. Black Pantha: this relatively new species starts with black buds and opens to a deep violet-blue shade in spring and summer.
6. White Ice: Pure white Agapanthus flowers bloom from spring to late summer.
7. Storms River: It’s again an evergreen plant that displays clusters of pale blue flowers in mid-summer.
8. Blue Ice: This is an early to mid-summer plant that blooms to give dark blue flowers that eventually fade to pure white.
9. Selma Bock: It is an evergreen variety that blossoms to bear flowers in shades of blue and white in the blooming season.
10. Amethyst: This remarkable small Agapanthus variety produces lilac blooms with striking deep lilac stripes all over them.

8. Conclusion

To summarise, the African lily or the lily of the Nile is relatively easier to grow than it is to make them flower. If you can provide for and take care of all the above things, then these exotic flowers will most definitely adorn your outdoors. Therefore, you will never have to struggle with the question of when do Agapanthus flowers.

Growing Agapanthus is relatively easy, and these flower varieties are elegant and add a touch of vibrance to any garden or landscape. They are a valuable addition, without a doubt.

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9. FAQs

Q1. Is Agapanthus toxic in nature?

Ans. All the parts of Agapanthus are toxic. It can cause skin irritation with close contact. It can result in pain, nausea, or mouth ulcers if ingested by kids or animals. It is better to seek medical attention in this matter immediately.

Q2. When does Agapanthus flower?

Ans. agapanthus, or African lily, mostly blooms from mid-summer until the early fall. If we say it in terms of months, then the blooming time for Agapanthus is from June to August.

Depending on the variety and the growing conditions, its flowering time may alter. However, it has a relatively long blooming time.

Q3. Why is my agapanthus not flowering?

Ans. There can be a couple of reasons why your agapanthus is not bearing flowers. Frost can be a major reason if you live in colder areas. It can affect the plant over the winter and reduce flowering. 

The second reason could be that you have planted it in a large pot or container. In such cases, it will bear lots of leaves but few or no flowers. 

Other reasons could also be a lack of sunlight and waterlogged soil. All these factors can make you rethink when do Agapanthus flowers. 

Q4. Does Agapanthus die back in winter?

Ans. Agapanthus are perennials, which is why they mostly come back each year. The deciduous ones are the hardy types. Their leaves die in winter but return during spring.

The evergreen species are the tender ones and need more care.

Q5. How do I know whether my plant is dead or dormant? 

Ans. It is fairly simple. If you try to bend a stem or limb and it turns back on itself, then it is not dead. If you see flexible white or green tissue from its crack, then again, it is alive.

As for the roots, dig up the plant. If the roots are white, then it is alive and will eventually grow. If they are brown, black, or mussy, then they have died because of root rot. 

Last Updated on May 12, 2024 by Anuja.V