Overview
Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus 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. Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus 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. Suggested uses include borders, containers and cut flowers. It is native to South Africa.
About
Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus is a clump-forming, upright perennial that produces umbels of deep blue flowers. It has strap-shaped, arching leaves and may be evergreen or deciduous. Flowering runs from July to September. It performs well in borders, containers and as a source of cut flowers.
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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 inapertus subsp. inapertus belongs to the Amaryllidaceae and comes from South Africa, forming upright clumps of strap-like foliage before producing rounded umbels of blue flowers in July to September. The leaves can be evergreen or deciduous depending on the form, with deciduous types generally tolerating colder conditions. Plant this African Lily in full sun on a fertile loam or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH, ideally in a south- or west-facing, sheltered position. Keep the soil moist while the plant is in active growth, then allow it to dry back over winter. Hardiness is H3–H5, which in plain terms ranges from borderline (H3) to fully hardy (H5) in milder parts of the UK; deciduous forms tend to be at the hardier end of that range. Containers are suitable and allow easier protection or relocation in cold weather. Use Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus towards the front or middle of perennial borders, on patios and terraces, or for cutting. Planted in small groups it provides upright stems and long-lasting heads suitable for flower arrangements.
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 inapertus subsp. inapertus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; strap-shaped, arching, fresh green
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Cut flowers
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus
- 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 inapertus subsp. inapertus?
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 inapertus subsp. inapertus?
Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus need?
Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus 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 inapertus subsp. inapertus?
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.
Is Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertus 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 inapertus subsp. inapertus?
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