Overview
Agapanthus 'Black Magic' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Agapanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Agapanthus 'Black Magic' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, patio and container plants and city and courtyard gardens. It is native to South Africa.
About
Agapanthus 'Black Magic' (African lily 'Black Magic') is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun with a south- or west-facing aspect and prefers sheltered exposure. It adapts well to chalk, loam, or sand soils across a range of pH levels, favouring moist but well-drained to well-drained conditions. It is of interest throughout spring, summer, and winter.
About the genus
Agapanthus is a genus of plants, the only one in the subfamily Agapanthoideae of the family Amaryllidaceae. The subfamily was formerly treated as a separate family, Agapanthaceae. The family is in the monocot order Asparagales.
Wikipedia contributors, "Agapanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agapanthus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Agapanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Agapanthus 'Black Magic' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus 'Black Magic'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Water regularly during the growing season but reduce watering in winter. Mulch in colder areas to protect roots.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming and cut back foliage after it dies down in autumn.
- Propagation
- Division every 3 to 4 years in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Agapanthus gall midge
- Disease resistance
- Virus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Agapanthus 'Black Magic'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Water regularly during the growing season but reduce watering in winter. Mulch in colder areas to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus 'Black Magic'?
Agapanthus 'Black Magic' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus 'Black Magic' need?
Agapanthus 'Black Magic' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Agapanthus 'Black Magic'?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming and cut back foliage after it dies down in autumn.
How big does Agapanthus 'Black Magic' grow?
Agapanthus 'Black Magic' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Agapanthus 'Black Magic' hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus 'Black Magic' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Agapanthus 'Black Magic'?
Division every 3 to 4 years in spring.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Northern Star'Lily of the Nile
- Agapanthus nutansAfrican Lily