Overview
Agapanthus nutans 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 nutans 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 South Africa.
About
Agapanthus nutans is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Amaryllidaceae with strap-shaped, arching leaves and prominent summer flowerheads. It originates from South Africa and is suited to sunny, sheltered positions. Plant in fertile loam or a sandy, well-drained mix and keep moist while actively growing, letting the soil dry back through winter. Evergreen and deciduous forms exist; deciduous kinds tend to be hardier.
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 nutans comes from South Africa and sits in the Amaryllidaceae family; it forms neat clumps of strap-shaped, arching leaves topped by terminal flowerheads. In the UK it flowers July to September. Several cultivated forms are grown for containers and borders where a south- or west-facing aspect can be provided. Place this African Lily in full sun on a fertile loam or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. It appreciates consistent moisture while in growth then a drier period over winter; a sheltered site reduces the risk of winter wet and wind damage. Rated H3–H5, plants range from borderline to hardy in UK terms, with deciduous types generally tolerating cooler sites than the evergreen forms. Agapanthus nutans also performs well in containers, which allow finer control of soil and drainage. In a garden setting use it in summer borders, against a warm wall, or on patios where the flowering stems can be appreciated; groups of several plants give better impact than single specimens. Give evergreen selections extra winter protection or siting in the most sheltered spot available, while deciduous examples can be used in slightly more exposed beds where a dry winter soil can be achieved.
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 nutans size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; strap-shaped, arching, fresh green
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus nutans
- 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 nutans?
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 nutans?
Agapanthus nutans prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus nutans need?
Agapanthus nutans 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 nutans?
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 nutans hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus nutans 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 nutans?
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