Agapanthus 'Elaine'
African lily 'Elaine'
An evergreen, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with strap-shaped mid-green leaves and sturdy stems which produce panicles of almost black buds turning to dark violet-blue nodding, trumpet-shaped flowers in the summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 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 | Purple 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 in winter. In containers, grow in a loam-based compost (JI No.3). May need winter protection. See agapanthus cultivation
Propagation
Sow seed when ripe or in spring, keep in cold frame whilst small and protect in winter. Divide clumps in Spring every two-three years
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back in autumn as foliage goes brown. Cut back flower spikes as they go over, unless you want to keep seedheads for winter interest
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails and agapanthus gall midge
Diseases
May be susceptible to a virus
Get involved
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