In July, Agapanthus africanus are blooming everywhere. Noticeable in the foreground of local gardens, they stand out when mass-planted. This year they are spectacular all around Vacaville. Hardly noticeable when they are not blooming, they really put on a show when the umbrella-shaped clusters of flowers open. The flowers have always reminded me of fireworks or sparklers, so the fact they bloom every July seems appropriate.

Agapanthus are commonly known as ‘Lily of the Nile'. They belong to the Liliaceae family and originated in South Africa. Their flowers are shades of blue (light to dark) or white. Usually planted in the spring, the plants require water to get them established; afterwards they are pretty drought tolerant. They do like to be mulched. Although snails and slugs like hiding in their fountain-like clusters of foliage, they are not susceptible to other pests.

Agapanthus do not require pruning. After blooming, the dried stalks and dead leaves should be removed. They can be divided to propagate in the early fall, although rarely need dividing. As they mature, they thicken at the base and occasionally you may see their fleshy tubular roots creeping above soil level. They make wonderful container plants, especially the smaller varieties mentioned below. Fertilize the plants in the early spring with a granular fertilizer such as 6-10-4.

Agapanthus comes from the Greek word meaning “flower of love”. ‘Midnight Blue' has the deepest violet-blue blooms. Peter Pan' and ‘Tinkerbell' are both dwarf plants that look great in containers. ‘Elaine' has large clusters of purple-blue blooms on four-foot stems.

I am enjoying the display of Agapanthus around Vacaville that grow along fences, against homes, along driveways, around ponds and swimming pools and in containers. This perennial is on display this month.

Recently, a friend cut about 10 stems of her Agapanthus and placed them in a tall clear vase. She added powdered floral preservative to the water and told me they would last for over a week if the water was changed daily and the stems were trimmed. What a spectacular display they made!