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Again and again the question arises whether the popular Agapanthus (also called African lily) is hardy or whether it has to be overwintered. We show you how and where to overwinter Agapanthus properly and how to care for the container plant in winter.
A true beauty has made it to Europe from southern Africa: the African lily (Agapanthus). The perennial and herbaceous plant already adorned many a stately garden in the Baroque era and is still very popular today. An important issue when keeping the love flower is overwintering.
Are African Lilies hardy?
Although the African lily is a perennial, it is not hardy in Central Europe. South Africa, the homeland of the Agapanthus, is not known for its frequent frosts. Since the plant has adapted to the conditions there, it cannot tolerate our cold winters. However, a distinction should be made between the evergreen and the deciduous species.
- Evergreen Love Flowers: The African African African Lily (Agapanthus africanus), Agapanthus praecox and numerous hybrids are evergreen representatives of the genus Agapanthus. These plants do not tolerate frost.
- Deciduous Loveflowers: Deciduous loveflowers include Bell-flowered African Lily (Agapanthus campanulatus), Tube-flowered African Lily (Agapanthus inapertus), Agapanthus caulescens, Agapanthus coddii as well as various hybrids. These species retreat into the ground during the cold season and sprout again in spring. To do this, they form underground rhizomes as outlasting organs. Since the plants are less vulnerable to cold, they tolerate light frosts and are even considered hardy in Great Britain.
Overwintering agapanthus properly: Our tips
Too low temperatures cause Agapanthus to die off. Planting out is therefore not advisable. Deciduous species also survive frosts and couldin mild regions with protection from twigs it may even survive the winter, but loss rates are high. Evergreen species have almost no chance of surviving winter outdoors.
When will it be too cold for the agapanthus?
African lilies are used to some light frosts in their homeland, but should not be overworked. So bring the plants into safe winter quarters before the first frosts. In principle, deciduous species tolerate cooler temperatures than evergreen African lilies. Under optimal conditions, they can even survive -15°C.
Winter lilies: how and where?
Agapanthus species should always be wintered in a cool place. A temperature between 0°C and 5°C is optimal. Temperatures that are too high lead to reduced flowering in the coming year. Evergreen species should be overwintered frost-free. Since these keep their leaves even in winter, i.e. continue to carry out photosynthesis, they absolutely need light in their winter quarters. So choose a bright and 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 the evergreen African lily is too warm in its winter quarters, it shows this with yellow leaves.
Deciduous loveflowers are less demanding in winter. As they retract their leaves, they do not require light in winter quarters. Only when the first leaf tips show up again is it time for a little brightness. In addition, deciduous species can also cope with temperatures below 0°C. But it should never get colder than -15°C.
How to care for agapanthus in winter
In the cold season, Agapanthus goes into hibernation. While the evergreen species should be watered (albeit very little), deciduous species do without water entirely. This means that they must not be watered under any circumstances. You should also avoid fertilizer in both cases. Care during the winter is therefore very easy. Cutting back the plants before hibernation does not make sense for the African lily. 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 use the dead onesRemove leaves.
But in spring the plants want to go outside as early as possible. As soon as the last frosts are over, enjoy the fresh breeze. Bring the plants outside to a sheltered and sunny spot. However, keep in mind that the leaves are still fragile as the plants have not been exposed to direct sunlight over the winter. To prevent sunburn, you should therefore proceed carefully. Gradually acclimate the plants to direct sunlight, selecting to clear overcast days or placing under a bush or similar location first.
At the start of the new season, the African lily is also happy about a fresh dose of fertilizer. Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer is ideal for this, as it supplies the African lily with all the important nutrients throughout the season. Simply apply our Plantura organic universal fertilizer once a year in March and then water the African lily so that the granules can dissolve.
Here is everything you need to know about caring for Agapanthus in winter:
Evergreen species:
- Not frost tolerant
- Never cut back before winter
- Cool and bright wintering
- Do not fertilize in winter, water very little
Deciduous species:
- Tolerant to light and moderate frosts
- Cool and dry wintering
- Leaves can be removed once they are completely dry
- Do not fertilize in winter
After winter, all Agapanthus species should be taken outside as early as possible and fertilized.