Perennial
Early agapanthus
Agapanthus praecox
An evergreen clump-forming perennial with strap-like leaves and tall heads of blue flowers in late summer. It needs full sun and good drainage and is frost-sensitive, so cold climates require winter protection or frost-free container storage.
- Size
- 1–1.5 m high · 0.5–1 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Frost sensitive
- Seasonal form
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Moderate
Before planting
- Choose a sunny, sheltered, well-drained site and decide how the plant will be protected from frost before planting.
- In cold climates, use a container and a bright, frost-free wintering space; overwintering in the ground with protection is only an option in suitably mild sites.
- The stated height includes the flower stems; the clump of leaves remains lower.
Why choose it
- Tall blue flower heads rise clearly above the evergreen strap-like foliage in late summer.
- It gives a strong architectural accent in borders and large containers.
Care
- Water during active growth but do not leave the roots waterlogged, especially in winter.
- Move containers to a bright frost-free place before freezing weather, or provide reliable protection in very mild ground sites.
Good to know
- Evergreen agapanthus such as this species is generally more frost-tender than deciduous forms.
- All parts are harmful if eaten; keep plant material away from children and pets.