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Herbaceous Perennial

Agapanthus 'Black Magic'

African lily 'Black Magic'

A clump-forming, deciduous perennial with narrow, strap-like leaves on erect, dark purple stems. Panicles of drooping flower buds that are dark purple-black opening to dark blue trumpet-shaped flowers, appear in the summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Black Purple Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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

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

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