Evergreen forms are more tender and usually need the shelter of a greenhouse from early winter to spring. I enjoy the foliage of evergreen Agapanthus in the winter when most other perennials have died back, admits Colin. For deciduous types, the foliage will die back over the winter and can be removed to encourage new growth. Agapanthus are versatile perennials for gardens of all sizes and situations, whether you grow them in pots, in the border or as cut flowers. I bet the result is the same. Trimming Agapanthus Plants - Learn How To Prune Agapanthus Dislikes Agapanthus hate being too cold and wet over winter. The hardiest Agapanthus' are deciduous meaning that they will die back and lose their leaves for the winter and all their energy is stored in the rhizome. Some species of agapanthus are deciduous. Special Agapanthus winter care is needed when the plant is evergreen, unknown or grown in northern regions with hard freezes. The outdoor winter care for agapanthus will be different from the indoor care. It's probably deciduous. According to that, make sure to apply mulch if the temperatures drop below 40F. }, The seeds can be sown anytime indoors and need just a light covering of soil. Store them in their pots and let the soil go dry. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Common ProblemsContainer GrowingDeadheadingPropagation Growing From Seed DividingPruningRepottingVarietiesWinter Care. Evergreen Agapanthus should usually not be pruned or cut back. "@type": "Article", Trimming agapanthus plants is an easy task that keeps this perennial bloomer from becoming shaggy and overgrown. That's why you'll find everything your plant heart desires here in our online gardening magazine.Our Plantura experts share their tips and inspiration with you to help make those green fingers just a little bit greener. If growing in a container and moving under cover over the winter, you may choose to cut the plants right back down to the crown in Autumn (as shown above). We show how and where to overwinter Agapanthus properly and how to care for plants grown in tubs over winter. If this is the case where you live, its critical to remove the blooms before they have time to develop seed heads and distribute seeds in the wind. How to Grow and Care for the Majestic Agapanthus I don't like to recommend that they be planted directly into garden beds for two reasons. Unless you are in the very coldest regions in the UK these Agapanthus should be perfectly hardy without additional protection.. They are brightly coloured flowers on stiff, upright stalks. Leaving the spent foliage over the winter can protect the crown from rot during winter rains and insulate the roots from cold temperatures. For me plants are some of the most exciting living beings, even though they live in slow motion. If the leaves turn brown and die back, cut them back to four inches above the ground. } These plants require heat and sun to thrive and are cold hardy in zones 7 10. Deciduous species, on the other hand, dispose of their leaves independently. More importantly, it allows the plant to produce more blooms. PERENNIALS > AGAPANTHUS > PRUNING. When I put my evergreen apaganthus, unwatered all winter in a COLD greenhouse, back out when the season is right, I have to do a lot of grooming away dried old leaves. Good luck. "url": "https://plantaddicts.com/authors/jessica-mercer/", Outdoor Care of Agapanthus in Winter In addition, deciduous species can cope with temperatures below 0 C although it should not be colder than -15 C under any circumstances. Keep in mind that transplanting your agapanthus more than once every three to four years can affect its ability to bloom, so you may want to leave it in a container indefinitely. Not only are the plants at risk but the pots could also crack if they are terracotta. When you bring your agapanthus plant indoors, make sure to place it in a dry, cool, and bright location with temperatures in 55-60F range. "publisher": { The optimum temperature for storing the agapanthus in the winter is 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 10 C.). If it stays green despite the colder air and lower light, then it may be an evergreen - which means you need to ramp up the winter protection ASAP! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. While most gardeners agree the plants cannot withstand sustained frozen temperatures, northern gardeners are often surprised to find their Lily of the Nile has come back in spring in spite of a round of freezing temperatures. Tips On Fertilizing Agapanthus Plants - Gardening Know How above the ground at the end of the blooming season. 19 years ago I haven't grown any here myself, so I can't tell you about specific varieties that do better than others, but I've sure seen a lot of them around various places the last few years. Agapanthus are known for their large, blue drumstick-headed flowers in summer. On the other hand, if this isnt a problem in your region and you want agapanthus to self-seed for an impressive display in coming seasons, leave a few blooms intact at the end of the blooming season. Agapanthus species, including the popular lily of the Nile (Agapanthus praecox, USDA zones 6-10), are attractive white and blue flowering plants that thrive in the hot, sunny climate of the. Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, African Blue Lily and African lily is a native plant of South Africa. As soon as the last frosts are over, they enjoy the fresh breeze. Gardenality does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As disturbing the roots more than once every three to four years can stress the plant and prevent it from blooming reliably. Since the plant has no leaves during the winter, there are no light requirements to follow until foliage begins to grow back again in the spring at which point, it once again needs full sun to thrive. "@type": "Organization", times. "image": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/product_images/uploaded_images/white-agapanthus-flower-fading.jpg", For evergreen species, any tattered leaves remaining after the winter can be cleaned up when new growth starts in the spring. Agapanthus stems can be pruned at ground level when the flower has gone over unless you want to leave them in the garden for winter structure, says Patrick Fairweather, the Managing Director of Fairweathers Nursery. How to Plant & Grow Agapanthus (African Lily) | Sarah Raven If you are in Zone 7 or above, then outdoor care like the one for the UK would be perfect. Click here to learn how to give a great answer , Back To Questions About Perennial Plants. Though visually delicate, it is a deceptively tough plant. "logo": { Is agapanthus a perennial or annual? If you're a bit adventurous, agapanthus can be grown from seed. The evergreen varieties are less cold hardy and the cultivation zones of 8 and above will be better suited for them. How do I overwinter my agapanthus? - Gardening FAQ Simply remove the entire flower stem once the blooms have faded. Use special winter care to protect the agapanthus in zones five and six. Gardenality.com was designed and developed by web development firm, Dot Designers. In cooler climates, provide extra winter protection with a thick layer of mulch or a blanket to insulate the roots. Meet the Gardenality Team. Agapanthus flower in full sun. They should be allowed to rest during the winter season. Most of the United Kingdom is in USDA zone 9, although climates as chilly as zone 8 or as mild as zone 10 arent uncommon. Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed, Remove dead foliage as necessary with evergreen varieties, Let foliage die back after flowering to allow energy to be put back into the bulb. In cooler zones, dig up the bulbs and pot up the plant to grow indoors during winter. If yours did this but you've not got any new ones appearing by now I suspect that a combination of the cold and wet has killed it off If you get another try keeping it in a pot (they flower better if their roots are restricted anyway) and then you can move it to a dryer more sheltered spot in the winter. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What are the Most Common Pothos Pests and Diseases? "url": "https://plantaddicts.com/authors/jessica-mercer/", Deadheading which involves simply removing blooms as soon as they wilt keeps the plant neat and tidy throughout spring and summer. Remove the entire flower stem as the blooms fade using a sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors. If it is too warm for the evergreen African lily in its winter quarters, it will show this by a yellowing of leaves. { Determine whether you need to prune at all by determining if you have a deciduous or evergreen type. "url": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/344x56/new_plant_addicts_logo_1649688464__46914.original.png" Mulch the . If so I'd put it somewhere out of the rain and in the sun for a bit and see if that helps - I'd also buy another one or three. Leave evergreen Agapanthus alone, or give it a trim for . Set it in a sunny window and reduce watering to around once a month to let the plant rest. deep (5 cm) and 12-18 in. Decide whether you will cut back deciduous Agapanthus in autumn or spring. Agapanthus Species, Lily of the Nile, African Lily - Dave's Garden They should be potted up and placed in a sunny window. Allow the leaves to die naturally in order to store the energy for next year. Agapanthus is a genus of six species of perennial plants with bell-shaped vibrant flowers. Make sure you allow the foliage to die back naturally after blooming because the plant will continue to photosynthesize and put energy back into the rhizome for winter. They are often grown in containers so they can easily be moved undercover for the coldest months, though they can also be grown in a border in southern, warm, sunny and protected gardens. However, you can trim both evergreen and deciduous plants as needed to remove dead, damaged or unsightly growth. Agapanthus dead? BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Agapanthus, or Lily of the Nile - University of Florida, Institute of Agapanthus is moderately frost tolerant. As Brent mentioned I cut off the flowering stems as soon as the blooms are spent. Agapanthus neds rich, well-drained soil. These first turn yellow and then turn brown and dry. Plant about 2 to 2-1/2 feet apart. Add fresh, well-draining potting mix to the container, filling it about halfway. Patrick is the MD of Fairweathers Nursery, which is home to a Plant Heritage National Collection of Agapanthus. They make an excellent cut flower. Be observant of the weather in your area as well as the expected date of the first frost. How Deep are Hydrangea Roots : Root Type & More. In the southern United States, it can be used as a perennial, but everywhere north of . This article was published more than 19 years ago. Loved for their loose globe-shaped summer flower heads in blues, lilacs and whites, they're ideal specimens for containers. The shorter days do not provide the plant with the required sunlight hours and freezing temperatures make it difficult to keep the plant well drained and moist. Evergreen varieties Evergreen agapanthus varieties require no cutting back. "@type": "WebPage", Here's the usual process to follow: Determine whether you need to prune at all by determining if you have a deciduous or evergreen type. However, a distinction should be made between the evergreen and deciduous species. It should be left alone, aside from removing any unsightly leaves or removing particular portions of the plant with a little trim to improve its visual appearance. This winter care will sustain deciduous agapanthus plants if they are growing in the ground in Zones 8 and 9. Agapanthus are either evergreen or deciduous. Therefore, to prevent sunburn,you should proceed with caution. Subterranean stems, roots, and rhizomes are used to make Hydrangeas are a perfect addition to any garden and can make everything around them aesthetically exquisite. Favourite fruit: strawberries and gooseberries Favourite vegetable: courgettes. However, if you are in Zone 6 or below then it would be ideal to plant your agapanthus in a pot. Sarah The question repeatedly arises as to whether the popular Agapanthus (also known as African lily) is hardy or needs to be overwintered. do peter pans need to be trimmed down after the blooms die away? Be better prepared this time. Allow a few faded flowers to form seed pods in autumn to prolong interest and cut back to base when they have gone over. Evergreen species need their leaves even in winter. They tolerate most soils, as long as they drain freely. This plant is widespread in the eastern and north-central United States. Allow the tubers to dry out for a few days in a warm and dry location followed by storing them wrapped up in newspaper in a cool and dark location. If you have a deciduous Agapanthus that you plan to keep outdoors over the winter months, then it is usual to cut back the stalks with spent flowers or seed heads (if these have not already been deadheaded) to around 10cm above the ground. It is not recommended to bring deciduous agapanthus plants indoors. Plants may need to be brought indoors if your area experiences extended hard freezes. Go about eight to 12 inches deep before slowly tugging the plant out. Excessively low temperatures because Agapanthus to die. South Africa, the home of the Agapanthus, is not exactly known for its frequent frosts. This makes them more cold-hardy than their evergreen cousins. This page contains affiliate links to products on Amazon. It performs well in partial shade or full sun, drought, and even our sandy loam soil. How to Care for Agapanthus in the Winter | ehow The seeds should germinate in about three to five weeks; they sometimes take a week or two more. Lily of the Nile can keep growing in winter - The Globe and Mail Answer To overwinter your agapanthus, you first need to determine whether it is evergreen or deciduous. Landscape uses for agapanthus accent in a mixed bed along a porch, patio or deck as a low foundation plant lining a walkway or drive grouped as a groundcover front of the border surrounding a small palm For deciduous varieties, spent foliage can be removed in late fall, but this will leave the crown exposed to the winter elements. You can experiment using ordinary fluorescent bulbs, keeping them about one to two inches away from the plants. "@type": "ImageObject", Would putting them under grow lights be sufficient? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. You can do this with the help of a trowel. Back. agapanthus, can they take heat and humidity? - Houzz Yellowing leaves is a normal part of the Agapanthus cycle to turn yellow and die back in autumn . If you have not planted your evergreen agapanthus in a pot, and feel the need to transplant it, then you may want to consider leaving your evergreen agapanthus in a pot for at least a few years. Agapanthus, also commonly known as African lily, are perennials native to South Africa. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. In the future I would love to run a farm myself. Taller varieties can get up to over 1m (4ft) TLC rating: Easy Aspect: Full Sun Planting position: Borders, Containers [CDATA[ Planting and Care Agapanthus grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. For those who survived the November freeze. Agapanthus tolerates temperatures from +10 to +28 C. For good and vigorous growth, strong stems, lush color, and leaves, the plant requires organic fertilizers, which are introduced into the soil 2 - 3 times a week until the period of seed maturation. Some information may no longer be current. Collecting your own ripe seeds from the plant is the best source. Biophilia. How to grow agapanthus - BBC Gardeners World Magazine Cutting back the spent foliage in early spring allows room for new growth to emerge and maintains a tidy appearance. [CDATA[ // ]]>. "image": "https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/product_images/uploaded_images/single-agapanthus-stem.jpg", Agapanthus is a nearly indestructible, summer-blooming plant that will likely survive even without regular maintenance. The plant can be allowed to go dormant in winter (November through February inclusive), which does save on valuable growing space. Move the plants outside to a place protected from the wind and sun but keep in mind that the leaves are still fragile, as the plants have not been exposed to direct sunlight over the winter. A: Agapanthus (agapanthus africanus) or lily of the Nile is native to northeast Africa and hardy to zone 9. How to Overwinter Agapanthus Plants (Beginner's Guide) There is no preference for the pH of the soil. This is especially true for Zones 6 and below. . "@type": "WebPage", I leave the dead flower stems in place for attractive early winter structure but remove these as winter progresses and the stems begin to degrade.. Cutting Back Agapanthus For Winter. apart (30-45 cm). Allow the tubers to dry out for a few days in a warm and dry location followed by storing them wrapped up in newspaper in a cool and dark location. Shop all vegetable producing plants including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers & more! Simply apply our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food once a year in March and then water the African Lily to allow the granules to dissolve. How To Overwinter Agapanthus - Humans For Survival Use a clean pair of pruning shears to remove any spent foliage in early spring before new growth emerges. Agapanthus hate being too cold and wet over winter. This plant will do fine in a large container. Although the African lily is perennial, it is not hardy in Central Europe. Especially in the spring and summer, these shrubs are covered in huge globes of blooms Beangrowing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Do You Cut Back Agapanthus In Winter. "@type": "Article", That's why I studied organic farming. The winter care needed to be taken will depend on your agapanthus type and the zone you are in. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Agapanthus Winter Care | Plant Addicts Remember, that once the season starts to change, removing the mulch that you had applied during the winter should be removed from the plants. Below is a summary of everything you need to know about caring for Agapanthus in winter: After winter, all Agapanthus species should be brought outside and fertilised as early as possible. . Shop all vegetable producing plants including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers & more! As the days get longer and warmer in the spring season, which is usually about two weeks after your areas average last frost date, you can bring the plant back outside and either leave it in its container or move it back into its original planting area. Accustom the plants gradually to direct sunlight by picking an overcast day for planting out or by placing them first under a bush or in a similar place. Log in or register to join the conversation. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. They will be reluctant to flower if allowed to dry out after flowering in late summer. As a result, deciduous cultivars thrive in areas with cooler winter temperatures. Subscribe now for UK gardening tips and savings! Mark out a perimeter that is at least six inches away from the foliage of your plant. The bright coloured Agapanthus, more commonly known as Lily of the Nile, require special care in the winter season. Deciduous types are sometimes overwintered outdoors with a thick mulch of straw or autumn leaves to protect the crown, while evergreen types are almost invariably moved undercover for the winter months. They require a position in full sun or very light shade to perform well in the garden. Deciduous varieties Cut back agapanthus stems to about 4 inches (10 cm.) We aim to enrich everyones life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. When all the leaves turn brown and have died back, you can cut the stems back to four inches above the ground. So choose a bright, frost-free place such as a garage with a window, a cool corridor or an unheated greenhouse. If your agriculture zone in the USA is above 7 then following the same steps as those discussed for the UK will be sufficient for you. These are a bit hardier as they come from the cooler regions of Africa. In places with cold winters, agapanthus plants will need to be brought indoors for protection. According to trials conducted in the UK, the deciduous can survive in the outdoors with little protection. "headline": "Agapanthus Winter Care", Provided you overwinter adequately you will see new shoots of growth in the following Spring. This can be done by checking if your agapanthus keeps its leaves after summer. "jobTitle": "Senior Content Editor", Agapanthus species can be deciduous or evergreen. How to Plant, Grow and Care for Agapanthus - The Spruce Evergreen Agapanthus should be provided with a cup of water each month while it is indoors in the winter as it helps to replenish the water lost due to evaporation. You may also like: Why are your agapanthus leaves turning yellow & fixes. "datePublished": "6-28-2022", Second, not only is it more work to dig them out of the bed to over-winter them, but also the roots don't like to be disturbed and so transplanting is to be avoided until absolutely necessary, even in pots. Agapanthus (African lily) / RHS Gardening Firstly, select a planter thats 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide, with drainage holes. Agapanthus is known for its big blooms, thick roots, and dazzling colors. "headline": "Pruning Agapanthus", But if the leaves die back naturally, then it is deciduous. Just dont allow the soil to get bone dry two inches down and keep an eye on the weather to make sure youre not caught off guard by a surprise cold snap. Cut back deciduous Agapanthus to around 10cm above the soil surface. The optimum temperature for storing the agapanthus in the winter is 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 10 C.). These zones are better suited for planting your agapanthus in the ground, which means outdoors, instead of a pot. It is important to make sure that the soil does not go bone dry for more than four to five inches down. Agapanthus is easy to care for in the winter if you live in zones 8 10. However, since plants are rather thin on the ground in my city, I often spend time hiking in the nearby mountains at the weekend. Overwintering Agapanthus (Hardy & Tender) | Horticulture.co.uk Can You Leave Agapanthus In The Ground Over Winter? Agapanthus Winter Care: Care Of Agapanthus Plants In Winter The two ways to propagate Agapanthus are from seed and by root division. You agree to our privacy policy and to receive emails from Plantura which you can unsubscribe from at any time. "publisher": { But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. As a rule, deciduous species tolerate cooler temperatures than evergreen African lilies. However with the harsh weather in November, my evergreen foliage has been damaged by the frost. Now, dig down around the entire perimeter that you had marked out. A Brief History Whether or not you should prune Agapanthus at all depends on whether you are growing a deciduous or evergreen type. Log in or register to join the conversation. For evergreen species, any tattered leaves remaining after the winter can be cleaned up when new growth starts in the spring. Come out from the house and in from walks and drives about 2 feet. }, Colin is a Horticulturist and Horticultural Consultant with experience in a range of practical and managerial roles across heritage, commercial and public horticulture. Since they retract their leaves, they do not require light in their winter quarters. "Name": "University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha"}] The evergreen ones don't thrive here either, so they need to be brought inside for winter. When the winter arrives steps should be taken to dig up the tubers, brush off the soil and cut back the foliage before the cold temperatures arrive or you could risk losing your plant. For this beautiful plant to thrive, it needs full sun and 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. Evergreen varieties will not die back over the winter and should not be cut back. Agapanthus Flower - Secrets of Successful - The Flower Expert Potted plants can be placed back outdoors in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. "alumniOf": [{ Pruning agapanthus is easy and will help your plant look tidy and stay vigorous. Patience is needed when reproducing from seed because it usually takes three to five years from germination for the plants to flower. They won't provide any foliage-interest over the winter, but they'll come back bigger and better the next spring. The optimum temperature is between 0 C and 5 C. Planting your Agapanthus. Sustainable gardening is a matter of the heart for us! It is essential to overwinter evergreen species in a frost-free place. Will this come back? "dateModified": "2023-03-21" By following just a few simple steps, these plants can be protected from this cold season. Patrick is also the Chair of the RHS Agapanthus AGM trials. Author Jessica Mercer - Published 6-29-2022, //