Queen Mum Agapanthus
Agapanthus orientalis 'Queen Mum'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
48 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial
Native To
South Africa (Species)
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, are clump-forming perennials with lush, strap-like leaves. They produce spectacular globes of trumpet-shaped flowers on tall, leafless stalks in summer. 'Queen Mum' is a particularly large and showy cultivar, featuring huge flower heads with bicolored florets that are violet-blue at the base and pure white at the tips.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with at least 6 hours of sun and well-drained soil.
- If planting in a container, choose one with ample drainage holes.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and just as deep.
- Set the plant in the hole so the crown is slightly above soil level.
- Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish.
Pro Tip
Agapanthus bloom best when their roots are slightly constricted, so don't be too quick to repot or divide them; let them get crowded.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the most prolific blooming.
- Water consistently during the growing season, but allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Feed with a high-potassium fertilizer in spring to promote flowers.
- Protect from heavy frost in colder climates.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soil.
- Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which promotes leaves over flowers.
- Don't divide the plant too frequently; they bloom best when pot-bound.
- Do not cut back the evergreen foliage unless leaves are damaged.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Queen Mum Agapanthus questions
What zones can Queen Mum Agapanthus grow in?
Queen Mum Agapanthus is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Queen Mum Agapanthus deer resistant?
Yes — Queen Mum Agapanthus is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Queen Mum Agapanthus bloom?
Queen Mum Agapanthus typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Queen Mum Agapanthus need full sun?
Queen Mum Agapanthus does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Queen Mum Agapanthus drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Queen Mum Agapanthus handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Agapanthus to compare
Storm Cloud African Lily
Agapanthus praecox 'Storm Cloud'
African Lily
Agapanthus inapertus 'Nigrescens'
Galaxy Blue Lily of the Nile
Agapanthus praecox 'Galaxy Blue'
Northern Star African Lily
Agapanthus praecox 'Northern Star'
Lily of the Nile
Agapanthus praecox 'Luly'
African Lily Lily of the Nile
Agapanthus africanus
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See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
