Overview
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens 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. patens 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 S Africa.
About
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens is a clump-forming, upright perennial known as the spreading bell African lily. It typically reaches about 0.6 m and carries strap-shaped, arching leaves of fresh green. Flowering is in July to September. Handle with care: the plant is harmful if eaten and gloves are recommended when handling.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agapanthus campanulatus
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
A clump-forming perennial from South Africa, Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens suits sunny, sheltered positions where it can form a neat, upright tussock about 0.6 m tall. It produces strap-shaped, arching leaves and flowers in July to September. Use in a south- or west-facing spot to maximise flowering. Plant it in fertile loam or a sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH, keeping the soil moist while the plant is actively growing and letting it dry back through winter. It grows well in containers as well as in the border; containers need good drainage and a sunny, sheltered aspect. The UK hardiness rating is H3–H5 (H3 = borderline; H4 = average; H5 = hardy), with deciduous forms generally tolerating colder sites than the evergreen types. The species also corresponds to USDA zones 7–11. Avoid ingestion by people or pets and wear gloves when handling. Place where winter wet is limited and where shelter reduces exposure to driving winds. Because flowering runs from July to September, choose planting sites that remain warm into late summer to get the best display; select the deciduous form if you need greater cold tolerance in exposed locations.
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. patens 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
- S Africa
- Toxicity
- Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens
- 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. patens?
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. patens?
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens need?
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens 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. patens?
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. patens grow?
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens 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. patens?
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.
Is Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens toxic?
Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Northern Star'Lily of the Nile
- Agapanthus nutansAfrican Lily