Ever White™ Agapanthus Care

Agapanthus plants tolerate a range of growing conditions but require several hours of sun each day for optimal blooming. They are herbaceous perennials with a clumping habit perfect for mass planting. They also work well as an accent or edging plant in garden beds and borders and perform beautifully in containers. Gardeners in cooler regions typically grow agapanthus in containers that are wintered indoors. In the garden, plant agapanthus in a location that does not stay wet in winter. Plants are rarely damaged by deer and tolerate the heat and humidity of Southern gardens.

Light

Agapanthus hails from sunny Southern Africa and tolerates full sun to partial sun conditions. For optimal blooming, provide a few hours of direct morning sun. Plants benefit from afternoon shade in very hot climates.

Soil

Agapanthus are adaptable, but require good drainage to prevent root rots. They grow well in loose, sandy loams and clay amended with compost. The ideal soil is moist and organically rich.

Water

Although agapanthus is drought tolerant once established, plants benefit from regular light irrigation throughout the growing season to supplement rainfall.

Temperature and Humidity

Agapanthus has no trouble growing in the hot humid South. Plants tolerate winter temperatures as low as 10°F when planted in the ground. The roots of potted plants are not well insulated and need protection against freezing temperatures.

Fertilizer

Feed agapanthus twice during the growing season with a complete, low-nitrogen fertilizer. Make the first application in early spring and the second two months later.  

How To Plant Ever White™ Agapanthus In The Ground

Agapanthus plants require good drainage for healthy development. Amend clay soil with composted organic matter to improve drainage prior to planting. Compost can also be used to improve the water-holding capacity of sandy soil. Agapanthus grow from fleshy root structures called rhizomes that tend to grow close to the soil surface. Ever White™ Agapanthus are container-grown and should be set just deep enough that the upper-most rhizomes are an inch below the soil surface. Wait to plant potted agapanthus until all danger of frost has passed.

1. Water plants well before transplanting to prevent roots from drying out during the planting process.

2. Dig a planting hole 2-3 times wider than the container. This allows you to spread the rhizomes system out in the planting hole.

3. Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen the roots. Spread rhizome laterally.

4. Set plants just deep enough that the upper-most rhizomes are an inch below the soil surface.

5. Fill the planting hole with garden soil, pressing the soil down gently with your hand.

6. Water plants thoroughly and apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch, avoiding the area closest to stem.

Pruning Ever White™ Agapanthus

Agapanthus plants typically require very little pruning. Evergreen varieties like Ever White™ Agapanthus need only an occasional trim to remove any dead or damaged foliage. Plants can be deadheaded to keep plants looking tidy. Simply cut back spent flowers and to the base.

How To Get Ever White™ Agapanthus to Bloom

Agapanthus plants can take a season or two to reach peak bloom as plants become established. Proper fertilization and watering support flowering, as agapanthus naturally bloom following seasonal rains. However, too much nitrogen fertilizer can also reduce blooming by encouraging vegetative growth instead of flowers. Plants tend to flower best when they are a bit crowded, so avoid dividing or repotting plants too often.

Overwintering

In areas where Ever White™ Agapanthus is winter hardy (USDA Zones 8a-11b), plants can be overwintered in place in the ground. The evergreen foliage will contribute to foundation plantings and provide color through the winter months. In colder zones, plants are best grown in containers and wintered indoors. Likewise, container-grown agapanthus in Zones 8-10 will need to be protected from freezing temperatures.  

Treat container-grown agapanthus like houseplants during the winter months, providing them with a bright location and moderate temperatures indoors. Cut back on watering as plants grow less actively over the winter.

Propagating Ever White™ Agapanthus

Ever White™ Agapanthus is patent-protected and cannot be propagated.

Potting And Repotting Ever White™ Agapanthus

Agapanthus plants perform beautifully in containers. The long-lasting blooms of Ever White™ Agapanthus bring lasting beauty to patios and porches. When planting agapanthus in containers, avoid over-sizing the pot. Agapanthus blooms best when it is a bit root bound. Evaluate the root ball of newly purchased plants and size containers accordingly, giving plants a little room to grow into, but not too much extra space. When repotting agapanthus, select a container just one size larger than the current pot. Make sure all containers have adequate drainage.

Provide Ever White™ Agapanthus with a well-draining potting mix. Avoid mixes containing  slow-release fertilizer, as these may provide agapanthus with too much nitrogen and impede blooms. Fertilize potted agapanthus using the same recommendations for in-ground plants.

Potted plants perform best with direct morning light and protection from the hot afternoon sun. Remember that potted plants dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground. Water containers deeply when the upper two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Repot agapanthus when you notice the plant starting to push out of its pot, approximately every 4 to 5 years.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

One reason gardeners love growing agapanthus is that they experience no significant insect pest or disease problems. Wet winter soil can cause root rot in agapanthus plants, which is easily avoided through proper site selection. Ever White™ Agapanthus is resistant to a fungal pathogen that infects foliage.