Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)

Where do Agapanthus Grow Best?

Agapanthus grows best in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. It thrives in USDA zones 7-11, preferring full sun but tolerating partial shade in hotter climates. These hardy perennials do well in garden beds, borders, and containers, especially in regions with mild winters. In colder areas, they can be grown in pots and brought indoors during freezing temperatures.

Agapanthus have uniquely stunning flower globes

In late spring to early summer, buckle in for a festival of flowers unlike any other. This is when they start to send up stalks topped with bracts, filled to the brim with blooms ("bract" is a term for specialized leaves that serve a specific purpose, in this case, protecting emerging blooms). Soon, these pouches of petals begin to open and the blooms spill out. They then arrange themselves in a spherical shape. The individual blooms begin to open at the bottom of the sphere first and finish at the top of the cluster. Each plant in the cluster will send up one stalk of long-lived flowers. Therefore, when you have a decent-sized cluster of several dozen plants, you'll be looking at quite a bounty of flowers every summer. Many gardeners love snipping a few of these long-lasting clusters to use as eye-catching cut flowers in a vase. Need some ideas on how to use these beauties? Here are some tips from the Southern Living Plant Collection for styling your home with Agapanthus.

Should Agapanthus be Cut Back?

An agapanthus plant has two parts: the long stalk holding the flowers and the strappy green leaves.

After your agapanthus flowers, you can remove spent flower stalks to promote new blooms. Cut the flower stalk near the base of the plant and new stalks will emerge in a few weeks. The blooms on these new stalks will be smaller than the first flush.

Agapanthus are perennials, so expect a new cycle of flowers each spring!

For the agapanthus foliage, trim back any dead or damaged foliage in late fall or early spring, especially in colder climates where frost may cause dieback. Regular maintenance helps agapanthus stay vigorous and attractive year after year.

When is the Best Time to Plant Agapanthus?

USDA Zones 9 and below: 

Spring is the best time to plant if you're in these zones because it gives your plants plenty of time to establish before winter sets in. We still recommend covering your plants overnight during hard freezes to help ensure their success over their first winter. During the following winters, overnight coverage is only needed in times of unexpectedly intense freezing temperatures.

USDA Zones 10 and up:

Winter is generally mild in these areas, so we recommend planting in fall after the summer heat settles down. This will give your plant ample time to root into the ground in preparation for the next summer. Ensure that it's getting enough water during times of extreme heat and drought by increasing your watering frequency.

What temperature is too cold for agapanthus?

Agapanthus plants can tolerate mild frost but struggle when temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C). In colder regions, they may need protection, such as mulching or covering with frost cloths, to survive freezing temperatures. If grown in pots, moving them to a sheltered location during extreme cold is recommended. Evergreen varieties are slightly more frost-sensitive than deciduous ones, so understanding the type of Agapanthus you have is crucial for proper care in colder climates.