Blue Agapanthus

How to grow Blue Agapanthus

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

This is the evergreen species and it is noticeably less hardy than the deciduous hybrids most garden centres sell. In most of the UK it is best grown in a pot that can be moved under cover for winter, or planted at the foot of a warm south-facing wall in a mild area. Plant shallowly in spring.

Pruning

Cut flower stems off at the base once the heads fade, unless you want the seedheads for winter structure. Remove tatty evergreen leaves in spring rather than autumn, as the old foliage gives some frost protection.

Propagation

Divide congested clumps in spring, just as growth restarts. Divisions often sulk and may not flower for a season or two. Seed is slow and seedlings vary.

Pests and diseases

Slugs and snails on new spring growth. Plants kept too wet in winter are prone to rotting at the crown.

Value to wildlife

Bees work the individual florets in the flowerhead through late summer.

Notes

Agapanthus flower better when the roots are crowded, so resist repotting a pot-grown plant every year. The real risk in Britain is not cold alone but cold combined with wet, so keep winter compost on the dry side.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Agapanthus africanus but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

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