Agapanthus is a highly valued plant due to its elegant stems and vivid violet flowers. It can withstand harsh weather conditions in zones 6 through 11, providing a long blooming season that spans from spring to the first frost of fall. Depending on the type of agapanthus, some grow up to 6 feet tall, while others are dwarfed at only 20 inches.
To maintain healthy growth, it’s essential to provide the plant with the right amount of light and temperature. Agapanthus can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, but those living in hotter climates should consider providing afternoon shade to avoid overheating. The temperature range should be kept between 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, although some varieties can tolerate lower temperatures. During winter, evergreen agapanthus plants should be brought indoors when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s best to keep the plant in a well-lit room during the growing season, and move it to a darker spot during the winter.
Watering the plant regularly during the flowering season is vital to ensure its health. However, it’s essential to reduce watering during the winter months to allow the plant to rest. For newly planted agapanthus, provide about an inch of water per week until the plant becomes established. Once established, half of that amount will suffice until winter. When watering the plant, using the drip irrigation method is recommended to avoid fungal infections.
When it comes to soil and fertilizing for your agapanthus, opt for a potting soil that has high levels of peat moss for optimal growth. The soil should also have proper drainage and include components like sand or bark that facilitate water drainage. Come springtime, use diluted liquid fertilizer to fertilize the plant regularly until it starts blooming. Once the first flowers bloom, cease fertilizing until the next spring. Applying mulch on top of the soil will help to retain moisture longer. Additionally, enrich the soil by adding compost to it for better nutrition. The soil pH can range anywhere from 5.5 to 7.5.
To maintain the plant’s aesthetic and prevent it from going to seed, deadhead the dead flowers as soon as they wilt. This prevents the plant from developing seed pods. If you do spot a seed pod, remove the entire pod to protect the plant and prevent the seeds from spreading. This helps keep the plant healthy, vigorous, and from overtaking the rest of your indoor or garden plants.
If the plant goes dormant in the late fall, let its leaves die and turn brown as this aids in energy transfer to the rhizomes for winter storage. Trim the leaves away completely once they’ve died, and new foliage will grow back in the spring.
