Overview
Agapanthus praecox subsp. praecox 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 praecox subsp. praecox 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 praecox subsp. praecox is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Amaryllidaceae grown for its strap-shaped, arching fresh-green leaves and summer blooms. It suits a sunny, sheltered site and performs well in fertile loam or sandy soil. Flowering in the UK occurs from July to September. Deciduous selections are generally more cold-tolerant than evergreen ones.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agapanthus praecox
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 praecox subsp. praecox comes from South Africa and is a long-lived perennial with a clump-forming, upright habit and strap-shaped, arching leaves. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae and is widely grown where summers are warm and positions are sheltered. Plant in full sun on a south- or west-facing, sheltered spot. It prefers fertile loam or a sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH and should be kept moist while actively growing, then allowed to dry back over winter. Hardiness is given as H3–H5 (borderline to hardy in UK terms), with deciduous forms generally tolerating lower temperatures than evergreen ones. The species also adapts well to containers, where a free-draining compost will suit its seasonal moisture needs. Use the plant on sunny borders, in patio containers, or for cutting; it is listed specifically for borders, containers and cut flowers. In the UK it flowers from July to September, so it provides a reliable mid-to-late summer display and supply of stems for summer bouquets.
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 praecox subsp. praecox 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 praecox subsp. praecox
- 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 praecox subsp. praecox?
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 praecox subsp. praecox?
Agapanthus praecox subsp. praecox prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus praecox subsp. praecox need?
Agapanthus praecox subsp. praecox 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 praecox subsp. praecox?
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 praecox subsp. praecox hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus praecox subsp. praecox 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 praecox subsp. praecox?
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