Agapanthus, also known as the African lily, is a plant known for its graceful flowers. If you have a deciduous Agapanthus and want to ensure it reaches its full blooming potential, follow these helpful tips from the Florologist.
1. Sunlight is Essential
Agapanthus thrives best in full sun. Make sure you place the plant in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. An abundance of sunlight stimulates flower bud formation and ensures abundant flowering.
2. Well Drained Soil
The deciduous Agapanthus does not like wet feet. Plant the lily in well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging. This is crucial, especially during the winter months when the plant is dormant. A mix of garden soil and coarse sand provides ideal permeability.
3. Moderate, But Regular Watering
Although Agapanthus is drought tolerant, it still requires regular water to thrive. Water the plant moderately, especially during dry periods. However, avoid allowing the soil to be constantly soaked as this can lead to root rot.
4. Nutrition in the Growing Season
Give the deciduous Agapanthus a boost during the growing season by applying organic fertilizers. Choose a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content to stimulate flower formation. Apply the fertilizer in early spring and repeat every few weeks until mid-summer.
5. Remove dead flower stems
To concentrate the plant's energy on new growth and flower formation, it is advisable to remove dead flower stems regularly. Cut the stems back to the base once the flowers have faded and seed formation occurs. This stimulates the plant to produce new flower buds.
Let the leaves die back naturally in the fall. This way, the leaves absorb optimal power from the sun and the nutrients can be returned to the root of the plant.
6. Protection During Winter
The deciduous Bio Agapanthus 'Dr. Brouwer' is moderately hardy. Planted in the open ground it can survive down to -12 degrees, provided it is covered with a good layer of mulch in autumn. For pot planting, we recommend keeping the pot in a dark place between 1 and 10 degrees in late autumn.
7. Patience and Observation
Agapanthus are known to sometimes take a little time before they fully establish themselves and start to bloom. Be patient and observe the plant carefully. With the right care and attention, you too will eventually be rewarded with an abundance of beautiful flowers with a deciduous agapanthus.
8. Organic
Buying organically grown agapanthuses offers several benefits, both for the consumer and for the environment. By using organic fertilizers and promoting soil fertility, organic agapanthuses contribute to the maintenance of healthy soil life. Healthy soil, in turn, promotes the growth of strong, resistant plants.
Avoiding synthetic pesticides in organic farming helps conserve bees, butterflies and other pollinators that are crucial to the conservation of plants, including agapanthuses. By choosing pesticide-free flowers and plants, we make an active contribution to healthy soil life.
With these tips and a little love you are assured of a beautiful African lily to be proud of.
Want to buy Agapanthus?
Order your organically grown agapanthus tubers at Bloemoloog.nl.