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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Agapanthus praecox minimus is an evergreen Bulb growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. umbellatus. pro parte

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root[177]. No further details.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Cardiac Stomachic

Cardiac, stomachic[61].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils[175] but it prefers a light very well-drained porous soil with plenty of leaf-mould[200]. Requires plenty of moisture during the growing season but it needs to be kept dry in the winter[1, 200]. Another report says that it is drought resistant once established[190]. It only flowers freely if it is in a very sunny position[175]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[233]. The rhizomes are best planted only just below soil level - a mulch of gravel or stone chips will help to keep the crown of the plant free from excess moisture[282]. Plants flower more freely in nature in the year following a bush fire[282]. Probably not quite hardy outside the mildest areas of Britain, it is best if given a good mulch in the winter[1, 200]. Hybridizes very freely with other members of this genus - some botanists say there is only one very variable species of Agapanthus[200]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. The flowering stems lean towards the sun[175].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe[200], it can also be sown in a greenhouse in March/April[133]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 18°c[133], do not sow it too thickly so that it is possible to grow the seedlings on in their pot without disturbing them for their first year of growth. Give occasional liquid feeds to make sure they do not become nutrient deficient. Divide the seedlings up into individual pots in the spring following germination, grow them on for a further year in the greenhouse and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Seedlings take 2 - 3 years to flower[133]. Division of offsets in April/May. Do not move plants between October and March[175]. Division is very easy in the growing season, the divisions can be planed straight out into their permanent positions if required.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Agapanthus africanus	African Lily, Lily of the nile	Bulb	1.0	9-10	M	LM	SN	M	0	1
Agapanthus campanulatus		Bulb	0.6	6-9		LM	SN	M	0	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Agapanthus praecox minimus - (Lindl.)F.M.Leight.