Agapanthus Dr Brouwer

Description

Agapanthus ‘Dr Brouwer’ – African lily

Botanical name: Agapanthus ‘Dr Brouwer’
Common names: African lily
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, with tall flower stems
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 90–100cm tall in flower × 50cm spread
Foliage: Strap-shaped, arching green leaves; deciduous
Flowers: Large, rounded heads of deep blue trumpet flowers on tall, strong stems in summer (July–August)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained; sharp drainage in winter; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy, to about −10°C); one of the hardier, deciduous agapanthus; USDA zones 7–10
Exposure: Warm, sheltered, sunny
Native range: Garden form; the genus is native to southern Africa
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Low toxicity; the sap can irritate skin, and the plant may cause mild stomach upset if eaten

Agapanthus ‘Dr Brouwer’ is a striking perennial bearing large, rounded heads of deep blue trumpet flowers on tall stems in summer. One of the hardier deciduous forms, it is superb for sunny borders and pots.

GardenAdvice notes

A magnificent summer perennial, ‘Dr Brouwer’ carries large, rounded heads of rich deep blue flowers on tall, strong stems above arching strap-shaped foliage. As a deciduous type it is one of the hardier agapanthus, better able to cope with cold winters, and it makes a spectacular display in a sunny border or, classically, in a large container, where the slightly restricted roots often encourage even better flowering.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, in a warm, sheltered spot — good drainage, especially over winter, and plenty of summer sun are the keys to good flowering. It excels in large containers. Space about 50cm apart. Water and feed well in summer for the best flowers.

Care & maintenance

Water and feed generously through the growing and flowering season, then keep drier over winter. Deadhead spent flower stems, or leave the seed heads for winter structure. In cold gardens, mulch the crown in winter or move containers to a sheltered spot. Divide congested clumps in spring — though agapanthus flower best left slightly congested.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps in spring, though they flower best when not divided too often.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in a warm, well-drained spot. Its main enemies are cold, wet winters and too much shade, both of which reduce flowering. Agapanthus gall midge can occasionally affect flower buds.

Uses in the garden

Superb in sunny borders and gravel gardens, and especially in large containers on a sunny patio, where its bold blue flowerheads make a spectacular summer display; the seed heads are attractive in winter.

Wildlife value

The nectar-rich flowers are very attractive to bees and other pollinating insects in summer.

Toxicity & safety

African lily has a low level of toxicity: the sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when dividing or cutting it, and the plant may cause mild stomach upset if eaten.

GardenAdvice tip

Agapanthus flower best with plenty of sun, a good summer feed, and — a little counter-intuitively — slightly restricted roots, which is why they’re so superb in a big pot on a sunny patio. ‘Dr Brouwer’ is one of the hardier deciduous kinds, so it’s a good choice for a colder garden; just give it sharp drainage over winter and don’t be too keen to divide it, as crowded clumps flower most freely.

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