Agapanthus Plants

Q: Why isn't my agapanthus flowering?

There are three main reasons that agapanthus don’t flower: Not enough sun: Agapanthus are native to South Africa and want at least six hours of full sun a day to bloom well. Too much space: Agapanthus flower best when their roots are restricted. This is why they perform so brilliantly in pots. If you plant them in a border, don't give them too much room. Wrong feed: Use a high-potassium feed (like a tomato fertiliser) in spring and early summer to promote flowers. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which just encourage leafy growth.

Q: Are agapanthus better in pots or borders?

Agapanthus excel in pots and in borders! In pots, their restricted roots can lead to even more impressive flowering. Growing in a container is also the best way to manage tender evergreen varieties, as you can easily move the plant to a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory for winter. In borders, they add unbeatable height and structure. Plant deciduous, hardy types for a reliable 'plant-and-forget' display.

Agapanthus, often called the African lily, is a superb choice for bringing architectural drama and an exotic touch to UK gardens. These popular hardy perennials produce spectacular globes of blue, white, or bicolour flowers on tall, leafless stems from mid-summer onwards. Perfect for creating a bold statement in herbaceous borders or a patio feature in pots, this collection includes two main types:

Deciduous Agapanthus: Generally fully hardy across the UK. They lose their leaves in autumn and re-emerge in spring, bigger and better each year.
Evergreen Agapanthus: These varieties retain their foliage year-round. They’re slightly more tender and thrive with a thick winter mulch, or when grown in pots that can be moved to a sheltered spot in colder regions.

Our agapanthus are supplied either as bare roots, or as high-quality, established plants. Browse the full range and find the perfect variety to add structure and vibrant colour to your garden this summer.

How to choose the best agapanthus for your garden

Choosing the right agapanthus for your garden is simple: hardy deciduous types are best for reliable border displays, while tender evergreen varieties are often easiest to manage in pots. Whether you want a compact, dwarf variety for a pot or a tall, deep-blue cultivar to draw attention in a border, you'll find it here. Their nectar-rich flowers are also highly attractive to bees and other vital pollinators, adding life and movement to your summer garden.

Frequently asked agapanthus questions

Are all agapanthus plants fully hardy in the UK?

Not all agapanthus are fully hardy in the UK. Deciduous varieties (which lose their leaves in winter) generally are, and will survive the winter in the ground. Evergreen varieties are more tender and will need a thick winter mulch (like bark chips or straw) in autumn, especially in northern or exposed gardens.

Why isn't my agapanthus flowering?

There are three main reasons that agapanthus don’t flower:

Not enough sun: Agapanthus are native to South Africa and want at least six hours of full sun a day to bloom well.
Too much space: Agapanthus flower best when their roots are restricted. This is why they perform so brilliantly in pots. If you plant them in a border, don't give them too much room.
Wrong feed: Use a high-potassium feed (like a tomato fertiliser) in spring and early summer to promote flowers. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which just encourage leafy growth.

When is the best time to plant agapanthus?

The ideal time to plant agapanthus is in spring (April to May). This gives the plant a full growing season to establish its root system before winter. Pot-grown plants are happy to be planted out later in summer, but you must ensure they are watered well.

Are agapanthus better in pots or borders?

Agapanthus excel in pots and in borders!

In pots, their restricted roots can lead to even more impressive flowering. Growing in a container is also the best way to manage tender evergreen varieties, as you can easily move the plant to a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory for winter.
In borders, they add unbeatable height and structure. Plant deciduous, hardy types for a reliable 'plant-and-forget' display.

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