Overview
Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Agapanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.
About
Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans' is a deciduous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. Like other Agapanthus species, it grows in clusters with long, narrow leaves and produces upright stems topped with rounded clusters of bell-shaped flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as patio and container planting, offering interest in spring and summer.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Agapanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans'
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed when ripe in autumn or spring and keep seedlings in cold frame overwinter - they will flower in 2-3years or propagate by division every three to four years in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails and agapanthus gall midge
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans'?
Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans' need?
Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans' hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans' 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 praecox subsp. minimus 'Grootkans'?
Propagate by seed when ripe in autumn or spring and keep seedlings in cold frame overwinter - they will flower in 2-3years or propagate by division every three to four years in spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily
- Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. campanulatusAfrican Lily
- Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patensspreading bell African lily
- Agapanthus inapertus subsp. inapertusAfrican Lily
- Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientaliseastern African lily
- Agapanthus praecox subsp. praecoxAfrican Lily
- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Northern Star'Lily of the Nile