In some regions, agapanthus has been known to take over bushland and other sensitive areas, out-competing local flora for resources and unbalancing the surrounding ecosystem. As a result, it has come to be thought of as a weed in many parts of the country.
Agapanthus is one of Kiwi gardeners' most popular flowers, but it could be argued it's also our most visible invasive weed. It's a major threat to native plants, and some councils list it as a pest species. But the fact it's so hard to eradicate makes others wary of taking it on.
Because agapanthus plants spread quickly, they are regarded as an invasive weed in parts of New South Wales and Victoria. Your local council can provide guidance on growing agapanthus, which may include dead-heading flowers before seed dispersal.
Symptoms: Symptoms may include nausea vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea if ingested, with severe ulceration of the mouth from the clear sticky sap. Skin contact with the sap may cause a burning sensation, skin irritation and rashes. Warning: Seek medical attention for all ingestions.
You can prune agapanthus at any time of year to remove dead, damaged or diseased foliage. For deciduous varieties, spent foliage can be removed in late fall, but this will leave the crown exposed to the winter elements. Never remove foliage after blooming as this deprives the plant of the energy it needs to overwinter.
In some regions, agapanthus has been known to take over bushland and other sensitive areas, out-competing local flora for resources and unbalancing the surrounding ecosystem. As a result, it has come to be thought of as a weed in many parts of the country.
Agapanthus (African lily or lily of the Nile) are some of the most beautiful and reliable summer plants you can grow. Ideal for pots and borders, they flower from July to September in shades that range from dark violet to blue and pure white.
It is a perennial plant that can live for up to 75 years. Its evergreen leaves are 2 cm wide and 50 cm long. Its inflorescence is an umbel. The flowers are blue, purple or white and bloom from late spring to summer, followed by capsules filled with black seeds.
It is important to pull out all roots from beneath the soil. Alternatively, cut the flower heads off before seeding to help prevent spreading. Brush cutting or mowing must be done regularly.
Most Agapanthus bloom for around 6 weeks, however 'Flower of Love' has been specially bred to be much more floriferous than other varieties, for an incredible 10-12 weeks, starting around mid-July.
In its native areas, Agapanthus is considered to be both a magical and a medicinal plant, used to treat heart disease, paralysis, coughs, colds, and other ailments, and the leaves are used as bandages (the plant does contain chemicals with anti-inflammatory and other properties).
Herbicide Sprays to Kill Agapanthus
Common recommendations are for glyphosate, metsulfuron-methyl (MSF600) and triclopyr (Triclo). Our experience is that they all will work, but that glyphosate and MSF600 are more effective at some times than at others.
“Agapanthus stems can be pruned at ground level when the flower has gone over unless you want to leave them in the garden for winter structure,” says Patrick Fairweather, the Managing Director of Fairweather's Nursery.
You must not breed, distribute, release or sell agapanthus within the Auckland region.
Some pests are attracted to Agapanthus, despite it being dangerous for cats, dogs, and people to eat. Snails and bugs may try to eat the plant, which can affect its appearance and health.
We take a responsibility by highlighting that Agapanthus can be considered a noxious weed in certain locations, and advise customers to consider their local area before purchasing, and at the same time we continue to source a better range of Agapanthus including sterile and low risk varieties that don't self-seed ...
Dividing and transplanting agapanthus
One advantage of growing agapanthus is that once you've got one, you're guaranteed to have more, because they multiply by themselves in clumps. However, if left untouched for any length of time, they will become overcrowded and may flower poorly.
To restrict its spread from your garden, deadhead stalks as flowers finish and don't dump unwanted plants. If you have a mass planting of agapanthus, deadheading sounds onerous, particularly for a plant that's often grown for its low maintenance.
It can take four years or more for Agapanthus bulbs (Agapanthus africanus), to multiply or naturalize. Agapanthus are best divided and transplanted in the fall for spring blooms.
Agapanthus
Agapanthus is so common in South Australia that the tall blue or white flowers are one of the sure signs of summer. Originating in South Africa, they are well adapted for our climate and multiply to form large clumps of broad, strappy leaves.
Grow all agapanthus in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid planting in shade as they won't flower much.
Generally 3-4 inches deep for the larger variety and about 2 inches for the dwarf varieties.
Plant a tall bush or blooming climber, like wisteria, that pulls the eye upward. Or you might plant dwarf agapanthus with hydrangea, and then add spiky birds of paradise, wild purple coneflowers, or Shasta daisies. Low growing alyssum or dianthus look magical along the border. Did you find this helpful?