This small agapanthus features rich green leaves that stay lush throughout the year and produces flowers for an extended period, making it a beautiful addition to both garden beds and pots all year long.
Agapanthus, often referred to as the Lily of the Nile, is a robust, heat-tolerant plant Ideal for Southern scenery, agapanthus plants showcase an impressive floral show with their big bunches of bell-like flowers that rise above the lengthy, curved leaves. Ever White™ Agapanthus is a smaller cultivar belonging to the Southern Living Plant Collection, known for blooming earlier than most agapanthus varieties and for reblooming multiple times during the summer season. These enduring flowers have an attractive effect on pollinators. hummingbirds , bumblebees, and butterflies To the garden and create superb cut flowers.
Similar to many agapanthus varieties in the Southern Living Collection, Ever White™ boasts evergreen leaves that contribute color and texture throughout the wintertime. These plants are known for their resilience against drought and ease of cultivation, ensuring beautiful flowers season after season.
| Plant Attributes | |
|---|---|
| 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 | Direct Sunlight to Partial Shade |
| 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 | Slightly poisonous to people and animals |
Ever White™ Agapanthus Care
Agapanthus can thrive under various environmental conditions yet demand several hours of sunlight daily for best flowering. These herbaceous perennials have a dense growth pattern making them ideal for extensive landscaping projects. Additionally, they serve excellently as focal points or border plants within flowerbeds and edges, and adapt wonderfully when planted in pots. Garden enthusiasts from colder climates often cultivate Agapanthus in movable containers so these plants can be brought inside during winter months. When placed directly into the ground, ensure their spot remains dry throughout winters. Deer seldom damage these plants, which also withstand high temperatures and humid environments typical in southern landscapes.
Light
Native to the sunny regions of southern Africa, Agapanthus thrives well under both full and partially shaded conditions. To encourage abundant flowering, ensure it gets several hours of direct sunlight early in the day. In extremely hot areas, it's beneficial for these plants to have some shade during the later part of the day.
Soil
Agapanthus plants are versatile but necessitate proper draining to avoid root rot issues. These flowers thrive best in light, sandy loam soils as well as clay mixed with organic matter. For optimal growth, the soil should be kept consistently damp and enriched with organic materials.
Water
Even though agapanthus can withstand drought after being well-established, the plants thrive with occasional gentle watering during the active growth period to complement natural precipitation.
Temperature and Humidity
Agapanthus thrives easily in the hot and humid Southern climate. These plants can withstand winter lows down to 10°F when they're planted directly in the ground. However, the roots of Agapanthus in pots do not have adequate insulation and require protective measures to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
Fertilizer
Fertilize agapanthus twice during the growing season using a balanced, low-nitrogen feed. Apply the first dose in early spring and follow up with the second application about two months afterward.
How To Plant Ever White™ Agapanthus In The Ground
Agapanthus plants require good drainage for healthy development. Amend clay soil with composted organic matter to improve drainage prior to planting. Compost can also be used to improve the water-holding capacity of sandy soil. Agapanthus grow from fleshy root structures called rhizomes that tend to grow close to the soil surface. Ever White™ Agapanthus are container-grown and should be set just deep enough that the upper-most rhizomes are an inch below the soil surface. Wait to plant potted agapanthus until all danger of frost has passed.
Water plants well before transplanting to prevent roots from drying out during the planting process.
Dig a planting hole 2-3 times wider than the container. This allows you to spread the rhizomes system out in the planting hole.
Carefully take the plant out of its container and untangle the roots. Extend the rhizomes sideways.
Plant them so that the topmost rhizomes are buried about an inch beneath the soil surface.
Fill the planting hole with garden soil, pressing the soil down gently with your hand.
Water plants thoroughly and apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch, avoiding the area closest to stem.
Pruning Ever White™ Agapanthus
Agapanthus plants typically require very little pruning. Evergreen varieties like Ever White™ Agapanthus need only an occasional trim to remove any dead or damaged foliage. Plants can be deadheaded to keep plants looking tidy. Simply cut back spent flowers and to the base.
How To Get Ever White™ Agapanthus to Bloom
Agapanthus plants can take a season or two to reach peak bloom as plants become established. Proper fertilization and watering support flowering, as agapanthus naturally bloom following seasonal rains. However, too much nitrogen fertilizer can also reduce blooming by encouraging vegetative growth instead of flowers. Plants tend to flower best when they are a bit crowded, so avoid dividing or repotting plants too often.
Overwintering
In regions where Ever White™ Agapanthus thrives during winters (USDA Zones 8a-11b), these plants can remain outdoors year-round without issues. Their persistent green leaves enhance border designs and offer visual interest throughout the cold season. However, for locations with harsher climates, growing them in pots is recommended so they can be brought inside for protection during winter. Similarly, potted specimens within USDA Zones 8-10 should also be safeguarded against frost conditions.
Handle potted agapanthus as you would indoor plants throughout the colder season, ensuring they receive ample light and stay at comfortable room temperatures. Reduce watering since their growth slows down in winter.
Propagating Ever White™ Agapanthus
Ever White™ Agapanthus is patent-protected and cannot be propagated.
Planting and Transplanting Ever White™ Agapanthus
Agapanthus plants thrive well in pots. The enduring blossoms of Ever White™ Agapanthus add continuous charm to decks and verandas. If you're growing agapanthus in planters, steer clear of using overly large containers. These flowers flourish most when their roots are somewhat constrained. Assess the root mass of recently bought specimens and choose appropriate planter sizes; provide enough room for them to expand slightly without offering excessive additional space. Upon transplanting your agapanthus, opt for a container only marginally bigger than the present one. Ensure each planter has sufficient drain holes.
Give Ever White™ Agapanthus a potting mixture that drains well. Steer clear of blends that include slow-release fertilizers, since they might supply excess nitrogen to the plant, hindering flower production. Follow the same fertilizing guidelines for in-ground plants when caring for potted agapanthus.
Potted plants thrive most effectively with early sunlight exposure and shelter from intense late-day rays. Keep in mind that these container-grown specimens tend to lose moisture faster compared to their counterparts rooted directly into the earth. Thoroughly hydrate your pots whenever the top couple of inches of soil feel dry upon touching. Transplant agapanthus once they begin emerging beyond the edges of their containers, typically around every four to five years.
Frequent Insects & Plant Ailments
One reason gardeners love growing agapanthus is that they experience no significant insect pest or disease problems. Wet winter soil can cause root rot in agapanthus plants, which is easily avoided through proper site selection. Ever White™ Agapanthus is resistant to a fungal pathogen that infects foliage.
Related: This shrub is the perfect low-maintenance evergreen option for gardens of every size.
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