Surely you have seen one more than once Agapanthus praecox and you have been admiring the beauty of its flowers. The thing is that with this name it is difficult to recognize. It is more likely that you have heard it called common agapanthus, blue lilac, African lilac or Nile lilac.
If you want it to be part of your plant collection, pay attention to everything you need to know to take good care of it and make it give you all its beauty.
Natural habitat and origin of Agapanthus praecox
To know how to care for a plant, it is always a good idea to investigate a little about its origins, because this allows us to get an idea of what it will need.
This plant is native to the coastal areas and rocky slopes of South Africa, where it is exposed to a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, humid winters.
Since it is very easy to grow and adapts well, today we can find it in many regions of the world, from Europe to Australia.
Physical characteristics of Agapanthus praecox
This is one perennial which emerges from an underground bulb in which nutrients and water are stored. It is precisely this bulb that allows it to survive in dry conditions.
Among its most notable physical characteristics we find the following:
- Leaves. They are long, narrow and arched, with a deep, shiny green colour. They have a texture that is somewhat reminiscent of leather, because they are thick and resistant.
- Flowers. This is one of the plants with lilac flowers par excellence, although some varieties may flower in white, pink or be bicolor. The flowers are grouped in umbels that resemble small umbrellas at the end of a long rod or flower stem, and are trumpet-shaped. Typically, the plant flowers during the summer and keeps its flowers for weeks.
- Flower stem. The most notable thing about this is that it can grow up to one meter in height and is quite resistant.
There are different varieties of Agapanthus praecox, but one of the most interesting is the Peter Pan, which is dwarf and ideal for growing in pots.
What care does Agapanthus praecox need?
The good thing about the African lily is that it is a very grateful plant, because it is not at all demanding in terms of care. However, if you want it to be in the best possible condition, then follow these guidelines:
Location
Choose for this plant a sunny locationThe more light it receives, the more abundant and colorful its flowering will be.
If you have it planted in a region with a warm climate, it will also grow well in semi-shade.
What you do need to be careful of is frost. Therefore, it is advisable to do so before winter starts protect the bulb with a layer of mulch.
Irrigation
The best thing for this plant is that the soil is always slightly moist, but without becoming waterlogged. You can add plenty of water each time you water, but allow the substrate to dry out before watering again.
During autumn and winter you can significantly reduce the frequency of watering, because the plant is dormant.
Land
Agapanthus praecox grows best in moist soils. well drained, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic.
You will notice the difference if you enrich the soil with a little compost or well-rotted manure before planting the bulb.
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In spring and summer you can fertilize your plant every two or three weeks with a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants.
It is best to use one that is balanced in nutrients to promote both vegetative growth and flowering.
Plantation
It is better to plant bulbs in early spring, when the risk of frost has passed. Leaving a distance of between 30 and 40 cm between each plant so that they can develop properly.
As for depth, bury the bulb at a depth that is twice its height.
Pruning
When the flowers wither you can Cut the flower stems to the base to stimulate the appearance of new leaves and flowers. You can also remove dry and damaged leaves at any time.
Multiplication
To obtain new specimens you can use seeds, but this method is quite slow. The simplest and fastest way is divide the plant every two or three years.
This is a task you should carry out in spring, carefully separating the bulblets and planting them in individual pots or in another location in the garden.
Plagues and diseases
This is a fairly resistant plant, but occasionally it can be attacked by aphids or snails. We therefore recommend that you review it from time to time.
As for diseases, root rot This is the main problem that can affect it, and it is related to a bad watering pattern or to the fact that the substrate does not drain well or the pot is not correctly evacuating the excess water from watering.
Uses that we can give to Agapanthus praecox
Even if you don't have a large garden, you can still enjoy the beauty of its flowers, because you can grow this plant in a pot without any problem.
You can also use it to create borders colorful in the garden, or for add color and volume to a flowerbed.
Furthermore, its flowers are highly appreciated in the field of floral arrangements. You can use them to make bouquets, wreaths, etc.
It's no wonder this plant has conquered gardens all over the world, because in addition to being beautiful, it's hardy and easy to care for. As it adapts well to different environments, you can try planting it anywhere you know it will receive several hours of sun, either in a pot or directly in the ground. With regular watering, good drainage and adequate fertilisation, your Agapanthus praecox will become the real star of your garden.