Overview
Agapanthus 'Northern Star' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Agapanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Agapanthus 'Northern Star' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and containers.
About
Agapanthus 'Northern Star' is a cultivated form of Agapanthus (family Amaryllidaceae) prized for its summer flowering display. In the UK it reliably blooms from July to September. It belongs to a genus that has produced many hybrid varieties for garden use. The cultivar is typically grown for its architectural flowerheads on upright stems.
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 'Northern Star' sits within the genus Agapanthus and the family Amaryllidaceae and is one of many garden hybrids selected for summer flowering. In the UK its flowering season runs from July to September, producing the upright, showy umbels that make these plants familiar at the back of borders and in containers. Many gardeners grow Agapanthus types specifically for that concentrated mid- to late-summer display. Plants of this group are commonly planted as specimen clumps or in the front of herbaceous borders where their vertical flower stems provide structure. They are also frequently moved into pots to bring flowers onto patios. Routine maintenance is straightforward: remove spent flower heads to tidy the plant after blooming and, when clumps become congested, lift and divide to restore vigour. Such divisions also provide material for propagation. Because cultivars of Agapanthus have been selected for garden performance, assessment of individual plants in your own soil and aspect is useful: observe how a chosen spot affects flowering and adjust siting or container placement accordingly. For ongoing health, address overcrowded crowns by dividing in a season that suits your garden; that action directly sustains flowering potential in subsequent seasons.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Agapanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Agapanthus 'Northern Star' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus 'Northern Star'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Water moderately during growing season. Protect from severe frost.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming and tidy appearance.
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Agapanthus gall midge
- Disease resistance
- Virus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Agapanthus 'Northern Star'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Water moderately during growing season. Protect from severe frost.
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus 'Northern Star'?
Agapanthus 'Northern Star' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus 'Northern Star' need?
Agapanthus 'Northern Star' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Agapanthus 'Northern Star'?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming and tidy appearance.
Is Agapanthus 'Northern Star' hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus 'Northern Star' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Agapanthus 'Northern Star'?
Division.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus nutansAfrican Lily