Which Agapanthus is hardy?
The striking blooms of Agapanthus always catch the eye in the garden, whether they’re planted in an elegant terracotta pot or in a flower bed. Its Dutch name is “Kaapse lelie,” but it’s also known as the “African lily” and the “flower of love.” Agapanthus blooms in shades of blue and purple, but they’re also available in white.
You often read that evergreen Agapanthus do not survive the winter, but that deciduous Agapanthus (usually) withstand our winters just fine. Still, there is a lot of confusion about which varieties lose their leaves. That’s why here is an overview of hardy Agapanthus varieties.
Is Agapanthus hardy?
It is true that evergreen Agapanthus are not hardy. These varieties cannot tolerate frost at all. The deciduous varieties are more hardy. However, it should be noted that even these are not completely hardy.
A sunny, warm, and sheltered location is required, as well as very well-drained soil. If you want to plant Agapanthus in a pot, choose a pot or container with an insulated outer wall, or add insulation yourself. Raise the pot using feet so that the plant and roots do not sit in standing water. It is recommended to cover the plant with a thick layer of mulch during frost.
During harsh winters—and also during very wet winters—there’s always a risk of plant loss. Even with deciduous Agapanthus!
Is narrow-leaved Agapanthus more frost-tolerant?
In the past, it was often noted that species with narrow leaves lose their leaves in winter, while species with broad leaves retain theirs. Unfortunately, due to the development of many varieties, it is no longer possible to tell by looking at the leaves whether a plant is deciduous or evergreen.
Deciduous Agapanthus varieties are the most hardy
- Agapanthus 'Aberdeen'
- Agapanthus 'African Queen'
- Agapanthus Amsterdam
- Agapanthus Artic Star (white)
- Agapanthus Ascona
- Agapanthus Bandung
- Agapanthus Barcelona
- Agapanthus Berlin
- Agapanthus Blue Moon
- Agapanthus 'Cambridge' (white)
- Agapanthus Carta
- Agapanthus Delft Blue
- Agapanthus 'Dr. Brouwer'
- Agapanthus 'Duivenbrugge White' (white)
- Agapanthus Greenfield
- Agapanthus Grizzle
- Agapanthus Indigo
- Agapanthus Jacaranda
- Agapanthus Johannesburg
- Agapanthus 'Leicester' (white)
- Agapanthus Loch Hope
- Agapanthus Malaga (white)
- Agapanthus Maurice
- Agapanthus 'Melbourne'
- Agapanthus Midnight Blue
- Agapanthus Midnight Dream
- Agapanthus Monaco
- Agapanthus Monique
- Agapanthus "Night Sky"
- Agapanthus "Northern Star"
- Agapanthus Paris
- Agapanthus Polar Ice
- Agapanthus Rotterdam
- Agapanthus Royal Velvet
- Agapanthus Sandringham
- Agapanthus Senna
- Agapanthus Silver Mist (white)
- Agapanthus "Silver Moon"
- Agapanthus "Stephanie's Charm" (white)
- Agapanthus Stockholm
- Agapanthus Twister
- Agapanthus Veendam