Agapanthus are beautiful architectural plants with wonderful blooms on tall stems.   They are a very popular garden plant with lush fine foliage and strong showy flower heads over Summer.  There are a range of cultivars available from dwarf through to mid and full size ones. Dwarf cultivars have flower spikes usually to 45 cm; mid height ones to around 75 cm and larger cultivars to 1.5 m in height.  To avoid disappointment always purchase plants grown by division or tissue culture as seed grown plants may not be true to type.

Plant in rows with smaller cultivars positioned in front of larger types. This layered arrangement around pools, paths and driveways creates an amazing visual flowering impact.  

If planting in the garden consider the location relative to sunlight, soil, and water.  Best blooming will occur in full sun, so choose a site receiving at least 6 hours sun.   Flowers would benefit from midday to late-afternoon shade when the sun is at its hottest, particularly in hot, sunny climates. 

To get the best out of your agapanthus we recommend the incorporation of compost into well draining soil plus the addition of a complete slow release fertiliser mixed thoroughly into the soil as per manufacturer's instructions. Do not use rich organic mixes as these mixes can burn and kill soft tissue plants like agapanthus. 

If planting in a pot use a good potting mix that complies with Australian standards.

Water quality is also important.  Do not use “grey water” from washing machines, etc. even if the cleaning products used state they are phosphate free and grey water friendly.  Many of these cleaning products in the fine print state to use rinse only grey water. Ensure plants have adequate water in Spring and Summer but note that they can survive for long periods without being watered and still give a wonderful show of flowers.   

Agapanthus also make a great cut flower.  The flowers last a considerable time and brighten up indoor living during hot Summer days.