About Agapanthus praecox Willd.
Agapanthus praecox Willd. is a variable perennial species that can live up to 75 years, and produces open-faced flowers. It has evergreen leaves measuring 2 cm wide and 50 cm long. Its inflorescence forms an umbel, and its flowers come in blue, purple, or white. Flowers bloom from late spring to summer, after which they develop into capsules filled with black seeds. The plant’s flowering stem grows up to one meter high, and it has very strong roots that are capable of breaking concrete. For cultivation, this plant prefers well-drained soil, though it can also tolerate poor soil. It grows best in full sun exposure, but can also tolerate partial shade. It has a low tolerance to being transplanted. It can be propagated either by seed sowing—seed-grown plants take 3 to 4 years to flower—or by division. Once well established, it tolerates drought, though watering is recommended during long dry periods. It overwinters as a stump, so its above-ground growth completely disappears during cold months. Contrary to common belief, this species can withstand wind, frost, and cold temperatures down to −15 °C, as long as young plants are protected with mulch for their first two years. Young shoots need protection from slugs and snails. Adding 2 or 3 handfuls of wood ash around the stump in spring can both deter gastropods and provide a good supply of potash.
