Overwintering agapanthus: tips for successful overwintering
The question repeatedly arises as to whether the popular Agapanthus (also known as African lily) is hardy or needs to be overwintered. We show how and where to overwinter Agapanthus properly and how to care for plants grown in tubs over winter.
A true beauty made its way from Southern Africa to Europe: the African lily (Agapanthus). The perennial and herbaceous plant adorned many a stately garden in the Baroque era and still enjoys great popularity today. An important issue in caring for the agapanthus is overwintering.
Are African lilies hardy?
Although the African lily is perennial, it is not hardy in Central Europe. South Africa, the home of the Agapanthus, is not exactly known for its frequent frosts. As the plant has grown accustomed to the conditions there, it does not tolerate our cold winter. However, a distinction should be made between the evergreen and deciduous species.
- Evergreen agapanthus: The African lily (Agapanthus africanus), Agapanthus praecox and numerous hybrids are evergreen representatives of the genus Agapanthus. These plants do not tolerate frost.
- Deciduous love flowers: Deciduous agapanthus include the African bell agapanthus (Agapanthus campanulatus), the drooping agapanthus (Agapanthus inapertus), Agapanthus caulescens, Agapanthus coddii as well as various hybrids. These species retreat into the ground during the cold season and resprout in the spring. To do this, they form underground rhizomes as survival organs. Because the plants are less vulnerable to cold, they can tolerate light frosts and are even considered hardy in the UK.
Overwintering Agapanthus: our tips
Excessively low temperatures cause Agapanthus to die. Therefore, planting out is not recommended. Deciduous species can survive frosts and could possibly even survive winter in mild regions with brushwood protection, but loss rates are high. With evergreen species, there is virtually no chance of surviving the winter outdoors.
When it is too cold for Agapanthus?
African lilies are sometimes accustomed to light frosts from their homeland, but should still not be overstressed. So, before the first frosts, move the plants to safe winter quarters. As a rule, deciduous species tolerate cooler temperatures than evergreen African lilies. Under optimal conditions, they can survive at temperatures as low as -15 °C.
Overwintering the African lily: How and where?
Agapanthus species should generally be kept cool over winter. The optimum temperature is between 0 °C and 5 °C. Excessively high temperatures lead to reduced flowering in the coming year. It is essential to overwinter evergreen species in a frost-free place. However, as they retain their leaves in winter, i.e. continue to photosynthesise, it is essential that they get light in their winter quarters. So choose a bright, frost-free place such as a garage with a window, a cool corridor or an unheated greenhouse. If you cannot find a place that is cool and bright at the same time, then special plant lamps offer a good alternative to windows. If it is too warm for the evergreen African lily in its winter quarters, it will show this by a yellowing of leaves.
Deciduous Agapanthus are less demanding in winter. Since they retract their leaves, they do not require light in their winter quarters. Only when the first leaf tips appear again, has the time come for a little brightness. In addition, deciduous species can cope with temperatures below 0 °C although it should not be colder than -15 °C under any circumstances.
How to care for Agapanthus in winter
In the cold season Agapanthus goes into hibernation. Whilst the evergreen species should be watered (albeit very sparingly), deciduous species can do totally without water. This means they should not be watered under any circumstancecs. You should also refrain from using fertiliser in both cases. Care during the winter is therefore very simple. Cutting back African lilies before overwintering makes no sense. Evergreen species need their leaves even in winter. Deciduous species, on the other hand, dispose of their leaves independently. These first turn yellow and then turn brown and dry. Only then should you remove the dead leaves.
But in the spring the plants want to go outside as early as possible. As soon as the last frosts are over, they enjoy the fresh breeze. Move the plants outside to a place protected from the wind and sun but keep in mind that the leaves are still fragile, as the plants have not been exposed to direct sunlight over the winter. Therefore, to prevent sunburn,you should proceed with caution. Accustom the plants gradually to direct sunlight by picking an overcast day for planting out or by placing them first under a bush or in a similar place.
To start the new season, the African lily is also happy to receive a fresh dose of fertiliser. Our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food is ideal for this purpose as it provides the African lily with important nutrients over the entire season. Simply apply our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food once a year in March and then water the African Lily to allow the granules to dissolve.
- Perfect for a variety of plants in the garden & on the balcony
- Promotes healthy plant growth & an active soil life
- Long-lasting fertiliser that is free from animal products - child & pet friendly
Below is a summary of everything you need to know about caring for Agapanthus in winter:
Evergreen species:
- Not frost tolerant
- Never cut back before winter
- Overwinter in a cool, bright spot
- Do not fertilise and water very sparingly in winter
Deciduous species:
- Tolerant to light and moderate frosts
- Overwinter in a cool, dry spot
- Leaves can be removed as soon as they are fully dried
- Do not fertilise in winter
After winter, all Agapanthus species should be brought outside and fertilised as early as possible.
