Common Agapanthus 'White Ice'

Agapanthus prefers a neutral, well-drained, moderately fertile soil⁴. Soil that is too rich promotes lush, soft growth that is prone to winter damage⁴. Keep in a warm position, sheltered from wind. This is a waterwise plant that tolerates a variety of sun conditions – from full sun, to shade, although some sun is needed for optimal blooming. If your climate is very hot, try growing under partial shade conditions⁴. Keep well watered during the growing season. Yellow leaf tips indicate overwatering⁴.

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first year’s growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system⁴. After that, it only needs water when the top 3 inches (~7 cm) of soil is dry⁴.

Divide the clumps every 3 years or so, in spring⁴.

For a neat appearance, remove old foliage⁴.

In very hot climates (e.g., Australia), sun-scorched leaves may be a problem⁵. In this case, move the plants to a shadier location.

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to apply water fairly sparingly. White Ice is generally regarded as a hardy plant, so this plant will grow or become dormant during the winter. White Ice needs a loamy and sandy soil with a ph of 6.6 to 7.8 (weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil).

Propagation from seed is a slow process. Sow the seeds in late summer to autumn, in warm climates, or early spring in colder regions.

Seed should be sown in deep (10 cm) trays (as they will stay in these trays for at least a year), in a mixture of equal parts river sand and fine compost, and kept semi-shaded and moist. Fresh seed germinates readily within 6 to 8 weeks² but can take up to 3 months⁴. Germination can be erratic: between 30 to 90 days. The majority come up at 30 to 50 days, but don’t throw away the pots too soon, you may have a couple of “latecomers” ³.

The seed should be sown thinly as the seedlings will stay in the tray for their first year. Seedlings should be potted up into individual containers during their second year and can be planted into the garden or permanent pots in their third year. Flowering can be expected from their third or fourth year².

For optimal germination, soil temperature should be a minimum of 20°C / 68°F.

Plant in winter or spring, taking care not to damage the fleshy, brittle roots ¹.

White Ice is hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

The name Agapanthus comes from the Greek agape, meaning love, and anthos, meaning flower, translating broadly as the flower of love⁴.

Agapanthus ‘White Ice’

¹ :The South African Gardener’s Survival Manual; first published 1985

² Agapanthus praecox on PlantzAfrica

³ Agapanthus on Seedaholic

⁴ The Flower Expert: Agapanthus

⁵ Growing Day Lilies in Australia