Agapanthus (African Lily)

Agapanthus grow like weeds in California and any other place with a sunny, somewhat dry climate. But they also can be grown with a little extra care even in the Midwest. Agapanthus grow from a rhizome that forms an army of fleshy, unrelenting roots. Its roots often force their way to the soil surface. According to The Color Encyclopedia of Cape Bulbs, by John Manning, Peter Goldblatt and Dee Snijman, the species A. praecox is one of the most commonly grown ornamentals in the world.

Today, hybridizers are busily creating and introducing new varieties with bi-color flowers, variegated leaves, blooms in a deeper blue, and increased hardiness. I had great success purchasing an unnamed variety that was incredibly potbound, its roots pushing upward onto the surface. It bloomed in the same pot all summer long.

Agapanthus prefers its roots cozied up into tight spaces, which can be arranged by planting it in a pot. In one of the best short videos on the topic, BBC’s Gardeners’ World producer Monty Don shows how to plant Agapanthus in a pot.

Southern Living Plant Collection has introduced a few new varieties of Agapanthus, which should be available at several garden centers.

Good to know: The name Agapanthus is from the Greek “agape,” meaning love and “anthos,” for flower; so it could be referred to as the flower of love.

Of course, these tropical bulbs, tubers or rhizomes won’t survive a really cold winter. To save them for the following year, they’ll need to overwinter indoors.

            MAIL-ORDER BULB SOURCES

As with many types of plants, it’s best to go to the specialists to find the best selection of bulbs. Other sources include local plant societies.

• Brent and Becky’s Bulbs: Gloucester, VA 23061, Phone: 877-661-2852
• Easy to Grow Bulbs, Oceanside, CA
• Edens Blooms: Thatcher, AZ 85552, help@edensblooms.com
• Glasshouse Works: Stewart, OH 45778-0097, Phone: 740-662-2142,
• Longfield Gardens: Lakewood, NJ 08701, Phone: 855-534-2733
• Old House Gardens: Ann Arbor, MI 48103-4957, (734) 995-1486
• Plant Delights Nursery: Raleigh, NC
• Telos Rare Bulbs: Ferndale, CA  95536