Overview
Agapanthus 'Tornado' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Agapanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Agapanthus 'Tornado' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include borders and containers. It is native to South Africa.
About
Agapanthus 'Tornado' is a cultivar of the Agapanthus genus, commonly known as African lily, which belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. This herbaceous perennial forms evergreen clumps, reaching heights between 0.5 and 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres. It thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered aspects and prefers moist but well-drained soils such as loam, sand, or chalk with a pH ranging from acid to alkaline. 'Tornado' is drought resistant and offers seasonal interest from summer through to winter, typically taking 2 to 5 years to reach full height.
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
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Agapanthus 'Tornado' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus 'Tornado'
- Cultivation
- Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil with good moisture. Mulch in winter to protect roots. Water during dry periods to maintain growth.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming and tidy appearance. Cut back foliage in late winter if damaged or to rejuvenate growth.
- Propagation
- Division, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Agapanthus 'Tornado'?
Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil with good moisture. Mulch in winter to protect roots. Water during dry periods to maintain growth.
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus 'Tornado'?
Agapanthus 'Tornado' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus 'Tornado' need?
Agapanthus 'Tornado' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Agapanthus 'Tornado'?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming and tidy appearance. Cut back foliage in late winter if damaged or to rejuvenate growth.
How big does Agapanthus 'Tornado' grow?
Agapanthus 'Tornado' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Agapanthus 'Tornado' hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus 'Tornado' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Agapanthus 'Tornado'?
Division, Root cuttings.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Northern Star'Lily of the Nile
- Agapanthus nutansAfrican Lily