Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'
African lily 'Black Buddhist'
A deciduous, clump-forming and herbaceous perennial with mid green, strap-shaped leaves. It has dark purple sturdy stems that produce umbels of dark, purple-blue to near black trumpet-shaped flowers that have a darker mid-rib in the centre of each petal
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 | Purple | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Purple Blue | Green | |
Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
Winter | Purple | 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
Unresolved
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
Remove leaves as they naturally die back, deadhead complete flower stems as flowers go over
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.