Overview
Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Agapanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum is a clump-forming cultivar of the Agapanthus genus, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun, ideally in a south-facing, sheltered position with moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, patios, containers, as well as flower borders and beds. Propagation is best achieved by division every three to four years in spring.
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
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum
- Propagation
- Division every 3 to 4 years in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs and snails, Agapanthus gall midge
- Disease resistance
- Virus disease
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum?
Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum need?
Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus umbellatus var. maximum 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 umbellatus var. maximum?
Division every 3 to 4 years in spring.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Northern Star'Lily of the Nile
- Agapanthus nutansAfrican Lily