Unveil the Ultimate Southern Landscape Secret Weapon
Southern Living Plant Collection
Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is a resilient and heat-tolerant plant that thrives in Southern landscapes. These plants offer a striking floral exhibition, showcasing large clusters of bell-shaped blooms atop long, gracefully arching leaf blades. Ever White™ Agapanthus, a compact variety from the Southern Living Plant Collection, boasts early blooming and continuous flowering throughout the summer. Its enduring blooms attract hummingbirds, bumblebees, and butterflies, making it a delightful addition to any garden and a wonderful choice for cut flowers.
Like many Agapanthus in the Southern Living Collection, Ever White™ features evergreen foliage that provides color and texture even during the winter months. These plants are drought-resistant and easy to maintain, ensuring beautiful blooms year after year.
Plant Details
– Common Name: Lily of the Nile
– Botanical Name: Agapanthus hybrid ‘WP001’
– Family: Amaryllidaceae
– Plant Type: Perennial, Herbaceous
– Mature Size: 18-20” high, 12-18” wide
– Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
– Soil Type: Medium to Moist, Well-Drained
– Soil pH: Acidic to Neutral (5.5-7.0)
– Bloom Time: Late Spring, Summer
– Flower Color: White
– Hardiness Zones: 8a-11b (USDA)
– Native Area: Southern Africa
– Toxicity: Mildly toxic to humans and pets
Ever White™ Agapanthus Care
Agapanthus plants are versatile and can thrive in various conditions, but they require several hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering. These herbaceous perennials grow in clumps, making them ideal for mass planting or as accents in garden beds and borders. They also do well in containers, particularly in cooler regions where they can be brought indoors during winter. Agapanthus prefer well-drained soil and are generally resistant to deer damage. They can withstand the heat and humidity of Southern climates.
Light: Agapanthus thrive in full to partial sun, benefiting from direct morning sunlight and some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Soil: These plants adapt to different soil types, but good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. A loose, sandy loam or clay soil amended with compost works well.
Water: While drought-tolerant once established, agapanthus benefit from regular watering during the growing season.
Temperature and Humidity: Agapanthus are well-suited to hot, humid conditions and can withstand winter temperatures down to 10°F when planted in the ground. Potted plants need protection from freezing temperatures.
Fertilizer: Feed agapanthus twice a year with a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring and two months later.
Planting Ever White™ Agapanthus in the Ground
Agapanthus plants thrive in
To ensure the roots do not dry out during planting, dig a hole that is 2-3 times wider than the plant’s container. This will allow you to spread out the rhizome system in the hole. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, loosen the roots, and spread the rhizome laterally. Plant the rhizomes just deep enough so that the topmost ones are about an inch below the soil surface. Fill the hole with garden soil, gently pressing it down. Water the plants thoroughly and add 1 to 2 inches of mulch, avoiding the area closest to the stem.
Pruning Ever White™ Agapanthus usually requires minimal pruning. Evergreen varieties like Ever White™ Agapanthus may only need occasional trimming to remove dead or damaged foliage. Deadheading can help keep the plants looking neat – simply cut back spent flowers to the base.
Encouraging Ever White™ Agapanthus to Bloom may take a season or two as the plants establish themselves. Proper fertilization and watering support flowering, with agapanthus blooming naturally after seasonal rains. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, as it can hinder blooming by promoting vegetative growth over flowers. Agapanthus tend to bloom best when slightly crowded, so refrain from dividing or repotting them too frequently.
Overwintering Ever White™ Agapanthus in USDA Zones 8a-11b can be done in-ground where the plant is hardy. The evergreen foliage adds color to foundation plantings through winter. In colder zones, container-grown plants can be brought indoors for winter. Treat them as houseplants in a bright, moderate temperature location and reduce watering in the winter months.
Propagating Ever White™ Agapanthus is not recommended as it is patent-protected. When potting or repotting, choose a container that is just slightly larger than the current one to avoid over-sizing. Use a well-draining potting mix without slow-release fertilizer to prevent nitrogen overload. Water potted plants deeply when the top two inches of soil feel dry, and repot every 4 to 5 years as needed.
Agapanthus plants generally do not face significant pest or disease issues, but wet winter soil can lead to root rot.
Ants can be easily avoided by choosing the right location. Ever White™ Agapanthus is resistant to a fungal infection that affects leaves. For more information, check out the original article on Southern Living: “This Shrub Is The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Evergreen Plant For Gardens Of All Sizes.”
