Caring for Agapanthus in Pots: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you’re low on space, or you just like the way agapanthus looks in a beautiful container, we’ll explore how to successfully grow agapanthus in pots.[/vc_column_text]

Large Pots for Mature Agapanthus

Whichever pot you choose, just make sure it has ample draining so that water isn’t sitting in the bottom of the pot. While some agapanthuses can do well with wet feet for short periods, it’s not a good idea for water to sit in the bottom of a pot because this can encourage pests and diseases to take hold.

Starter Pots for Young Agapanthus

For young agapanthus or those you’ve just propagated from divisions, a smaller pot (under 20 cm in diameter) may be sufficient. A pot this size provides enough space for young roots to grow while also keeping the plant stable.

Caring for agapanthus – Golden Rules

FAQ

Should you deadhead agapanthus after flowering?

Pot-grown agapanthus will benefit from an annual feed – a liquid tomato feed is ideal. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more to form, or leave the faded flower heads in place if you want to collect the seed. The attractive seedheads are often left on over autumn for decorative reasons.

Do agapanthus like sun or shade?

• Full Sun is Preferred:

  Agapanthus thrive in bright, sunny locations and are known for their abundant blooms when provided with ample sunlight. 

• Partial Shade is Tolerated:

  While full sun is ideal, Agapanthus can grow in partial shade, particularly in regions with intense summer heat. 

• Afternoon Shade Benefits:

  In warmer climates, providing afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat and promote better growth and flowering. 

• Soil and Drainage:

  Agapanthus prefer well-drained soil and will not tolerate consistently wet conditions. 

• Container Growing:

  Agapanthus can also be grown in containers, which can be beneficial for providing drainage and allowing the plant to be moved to a more suitable location. 

• Hardy Varieties:

  Some Agapanthus varieties, like ‘Midknight Blue,’ are known for their hardiness and can tolerate colder temperatures and partial shade. 

• Container Plants:

  Agapanthus can also be grown as house plants in bright locations and average temperatures. 

How do you keep agapanthus blooming?

• Sunlight:

  Agapanthus thrive in full sun, ideally receiving 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. 

• Watering:

  Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. Once established, they can tolerate some drought, but consistent watering, especially in late summer, can encourage flower bud development for the following year. 

• Fertilizing:

  Use a balanced, organic fertilizer in the spring and summer to promote healthy growth and flowering. A high-potassium fertilizer or a specialized agapanthus food can also be beneficial, especially in the summer. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to lush foliage at the expense of blooms. 

• Deadheading:

  Remove spent blooms as they fade to encourage the plant to produce more flowers and prolong the blooming period. Cut the flower stalk at the base of the plant for a neat appearance. 

• Winter Protection:

  Evergreen agapanthus varieties need protection from frost. Consider moving potted plants indoors or covering ground-planted ones with mulch or fleece during winter. Deciduous varieties can tolerate occasional light frost, but frozen ground can damage the base of the plant. 

• Thinning:

  Every few years, thin out overgrown clumps of agapanthus to prevent overcrowding and ensure healthy growth. 

• Pest and Disease Control:

  Monitor for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action if needed. 

• Pruning:

  Prune agapanthus back by about a third after flowering to encourage bushier growth and more blooms the following year. 

How do you care for agapanthus in pots in the winter?

1. 1. Protection from Cold:

   • Move Indoors: If you have evergreen varieties or are in a colder region, bring the pots indoors to a cool, bright location. 

   • Horticultural Fleece: Wrap potted Agapanthus in several layers of horticultural fleece for additional protection, especially if you’re unable to move them indoors. 

   • Mulch (Outdoors): If you choose to leave Agapanthus outside in a sheltered spot, apply a thick layer of organic mulch like straw or bark. 

2. 2. Watering:

   • Reduce Watering: During winter, Agapanthus require less water. 

   • Maintain Soil Moisture: Keep the soil slightly moist, especially for evergreen varieties. 

   • Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot. 

3. 3. Light:

   • Bright Light: Provide bright, indirect light indoors. 

   • No Direct Sun: Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as they might be vulnerable to sunburn if they’re not accustomed to it. 

4. 4. Temperature:

   • Cool and Stable: Maintain a cool, stable temperature, ideally between 40-50°F (5-10°C) for deciduous varieties. 

   • No Frost: Ensure the location is frost-free. 

5. 5. Fertilizing:

   • Suspend Fertilizing: Do not fertilize Agapanthus during winter. 

6. 6. Moving Outdoors in Spring:

   • Gradual Acclimation: Once the threat of frost has passed, gradually acclimate the Agapanthus to outdoor conditions by bringing them outside for a few hours each day, then slowly increasing the time. 

   • Avoid Sudden Changes: Avoid moving them directly from a bright, sunny location to full shade. 

Can Agapanthus grow in pots?

Instead of regular potting soil, choose a soil-based compost mix. Fill your container part of the way up with the mix, then set the plants so that the foliage begins an inch (2.5 cm.) or so below the rim. Fill in the rest of the space around the plants with more compost mix. Care for agapanthus in pots is easy.

How do you care for Agapanthus?

Water regularly. Agapanthus comes in both half hardy and full hardy varieties, but even the full hardy ones will likely need some help to get through the winter. The simplest thing to do is to bring your whole container indoors in the autumn – cut back spent flower stalks and faded foliage and keep it in a light, dry area.

How do you repot Agapanthus?

Repot established agapanthus every 2-3 years in early spring before active growth resumes. Check for circling, crowded roots. Choose a pot one size larger – about 2-5 cm wider – than the current container. The new pot shouldn’t be oversized. Refill the pot with fresh well-draining mix. Add extra perlite or sand to improve drainage.

How often should you water potted Agapanthus?

Your potted agapanthus will need to be watered a lot more often than the ones planted in the soil. The material of the pot you chose also makes a difference. Terra cotta pots are porous, meaning they have thousands of tiny holes that absorb and funnel out water.

How often should you replant Agapanthus?

But when you replant every 2 years or so, either upgrade to a larger pot or separate the plants into their own. Smaller plants can do fine in small containers. Plant food is well appreciated by agapanthus for large, bigger blooms all season.

What should you do with spent Agapanthus flowers?

Agapanthus is an easy to care for and low maintenance plant. There’s not much to do in terms of pruning or trimming other than removing the flowers that are spent at the end of the season. These are easy to identify compared to the rest of the growing flowers because they’ll be turning brown and dropping off petals.