Care of the rhizomatous plant Agapanthus praecox or Common agapanthus |
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The genus Agapanthus, family Amaryllidaceae, includes 6 species of rhizomatous plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Agapanthus praecox, Agapanthus africanus, Agapanthus inapertus, Agapanthus campanulatus. Common names: Common agapanthus, Blue lily, African lily, Lily of the Nile. This species is native to the Western Cape Province, South Africa. They are perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plants that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height when they flower. The deep green, linear leaves are up to 50 cm (1.64 feet) long. The attractive white, blue or purple flowers appear in umbels. They bloom from late spring to early summer. They are used in borders, in flower beds, in light undergrowth and as cut flowers for floral decorations. Agapanthus praecox prefers full sun exposure but also grows in partial shade. They resist frost down to -10 ºC (14 ºF). The soil can be normal garden soil with coarse sand and compost. It does not resist transplanting well. Water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry completely. They resist drought when established. Fertilize with a little compost at the end of winter. They do not need pruning. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases; young specimens can be attacked by snails and slugs. They are propagated by division in early spring and from seeds sown in spring (they take 3 years to flower). |
Images of the rhizomatous plant Agapanthus praecox or Common agapanthus |
 Agapanthus praecox  Agapanthus praecox  Agapanthus praecox |