Agapanthus 'Back in Black'
African lily 'B in B'
A clump-forming, evergreen herbaceous perennial with strap-like mid-green leaves and erect black stems bearing umbels of tubular, dark blue flowers with a central stripe on each petal in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Agapanthus are clump-forming perennials with narrowly strap-shaped leaves, evergreen in some species, and erect stems bearing umbels of funnel-shaped blue or white flowers
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile moist but well drained soil in full sun. In cold areas mulch hardy hybrids in winter. In containers grow in a loam based compost (JINo.3). Apply a balanced liquid feed monthly from spring until flowering. For more information see agapanthus cultivation. May need winter protection
Propagation
Propagate by seed when ripe in autumn or spring and keep seedlings in cold frame overwinter - they will flower in 2-3years or Propagate by division every three to four years in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
In late autumn remove or tidy up any remaining leaves, but seedheads can be left as they look attractive over winter
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails and agapanthus gall midge
Diseases
May be susceptible to a virus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.