Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Cool down those hot summer days with a wash of chilled out blue Agapanthus umbellatus, also known as the African lily or Lily of the Nile. A real jewel of the summer garden, it bursts into bloom from midsummer onwards with dozens of tiny lavender blue trumpets on short spikes, gathered into a large ball of colour. These dreamy blue Agapanthus flowerheads are held on upright stems at a useful mid-height, perfect for planting in borders with smaller plants in front and taller plants behind.
These drought tolerant plants enjoy a hot, sunny position, African lilies don't mind being a bit cramped and can cope with a poor, free-drianing soil, so they'll also be perfectly happy in a narrow bed along a wall and will grow in patio containers for years. Each tiny trumpet in this garden orchestra is finely detailed and delicate, it’s six lavender petals creating dainty beauty around the centre from which the lavender stamens extend. All in all, the intricate flowerheads of Agapanthus umbellatus (syn. Agapanthus africanus) intricate flowerheads can reach around 20cm in size, making it a compelling feature from afar as well as up close!
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
-
Agapanthus umbellatus
syn. Agapanthus africanus - Flower colour
- Blue
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Clump-forming
Upright - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 10 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Dry - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Coastal gardens
Exotic gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 3-4 years
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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Agapanthus umbellatus reviews
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