Overview
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Agapanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with evergreen or deciduous; strap-shaped, arching, fresh green foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus grows best in full sun, and tolerates fertile loam or sandy soil; excellent in containers soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3–H5; deciduous kinds are hardier than evergreen. It is native to Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.
About
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Amaryllidaceae, typically reaching about 0.6 m. It carries strap-shaped, arching, fresh green leaves and produces its bloom in July to September. Best grown in full sun on fertile loam or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Suits sheltered, south- or west-facing positions and performs well in containers.
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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
In the garden
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus is a clump-forming perennial from the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal where it grows in seasonally moist sites. As a member of the Amaryllidaceae its architectural strap-shaped leaves set a clear outline through summer, while flowerheads appear in the UK from July to September. Plants reach about 0.6 m and may be evergreen or deciduous depending on the form. Place it in full sun on fertile loam or a freely draining sandy mix with a neutral to slightly acidic reaction. Keep the soil moist while the plant is actively growing but allow it to dry back over winter; sheltered, south- or west-facing spots reduce cold exposure. Hardiness ranges H3–H5 (borderline to hardy) with deciduous selections generally tolerating lower temperatures than evergreen ones; it also corresponds to USDA zones 7–11. Containers suit it well, where drainage and winter protection can be managed. Use Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus as a mid-summer structural clump in borders, or on a sunny patio where its 0.6 m height provides a defined vertical element without overwhelming adjacent planting. The arching, strap leaves maintain the plant’s presence through the growing season and integrate well with perennials that follow its bloom period.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Agapanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Fertile loam or sandy soil; excellent in containers
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist while in growth, drier over winter
- Aspect
- South or west facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3–H5; deciduous kinds are hardier than evergreen
Plant details
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; strap-shaped, arching, fresh green
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Native to
- Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in full sun; shade markedly reduces flowering. Water regularly through the first growing season, after which little is needed, though a soaking in late summer during a dry year improves the following season's display. Where the soil is prone to waterlogging or the garden is cold, grow in containers of loam-based compost and give them winter protection.
- Pruning
- Deadhead at the base of the stem once the flowers fade, or leave the seedheads standing for early winter interest. Remove the flowered stems and yellowed leaves of deciduous kinds in autumn as they die back; tatty leaves on evergreens can be taken off at any time.
- Propagation
- Divide congested clumps in spring, accepting a season of reduced flowering afterwards. Seed is easy but slow, taking three years or more, and cultivars will not come true.
- Pest resistance
- Little troubled outdoors. Agapanthus gall midge distorts the buds where it is present, and slugs graze new shoots.
- Disease resistance
- Robust; rots only where drainage is poor or winter wet persistent.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus?
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun; shade markedly reduces flowering. Water regularly through the first growing season, after which little is needed, though a soaking in late summer during a dry year improves the following season's display. Where the soil is prone to waterlogging or the garden is cold, grow in containers of loam-based compost and give them winter protection.
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus?
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus need?
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus grows best in fertile loam or sandy soil; excellent in containers soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist while in growth to drier over winter.
How do I prune Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus?
Deadhead at the base of the stem once the flowers fade, or leave the seedheads standing for early winter interest. Remove the flowered stems and yellowed leaves of deciduous kinds in autumn as they die back; tatty leaves on evergreens can be taken off at any time.
How big does Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus grow?
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatus?
Divide congested clumps in spring, accepting a season of reduced flowering afterwards. Seed is easy but slow, taking three years or more, and cultivars will not come true.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Northern Star'Lily of the Nile
- Agapanthus nutansAfrican Lily