Non-Blooming Agapanthus Plants – Reasons For Agapanthus Not Flowering
Agapanthus plants are hardy and easy to get along with, so you are understandably frustrated when your agapanthus does not bloom. If you have non-blooming agapanthus plants or you’re trying to determine the reasons for an agapanthus not flowering, help is on the way.
Why is My Agapanthus Not Blooming?
Dealing with non-blooming agapanthus plants can be frustrating. That said, knowing the common reasons for this can help ease your frustration and make for better blooms in the future. Timing – There’s a possibility that you’re simply being impatient. Agapanthus often doesn’t bloom the first year. Growing conditions – If your agapanthus doesn’t bloom, it may be craving sunlight, as agapanthus needs at least six hours per day. The only exception is a very hot climate, where the plant may benefit from shade during the peak of the afternoon. Otherwise, if your plant is in full or partial shade, move it to a sunnier location. A sheltered spot is best. Be sure the soil drains well, or the plant may rot. Dividing agapanthus – Agapanthus is happy when its roots are somewhat crowded, so don’t divide the plant until it outgrows its boundaries or becomes too crowded in its pot. Dividing the plant too early can delay blooming by two or three years. As a general rule, a young agapanthus shouldn’t be divided for at least four or five years. Watering – Agapanthus is a robust plant that doesn’t need a lot of water after the first growing season. However, it’s important to ensure the plant has adequate moisture, especially during hot, dry weather. The best way to determine if the plant is thirsty is to feel the soil. If the top 3 inches (7.62 cm.) are dry, water the plant deeply. During the winter months, water only enough to keep the foliage from wilting.
How to Make an Agapanthus Bloom
A non-blooming agapanthus plant may need fertilizer – but not too much. Try feeding the plant twice monthly during springtime, using a water-soluble fertilizer for blooming plants, and then cut back to once monthly when the plant begins to bloom. Stop fertilizing when the plant stops blooming, usually in early autumn. If you’ve tried everything and your agapanthus still refuses to flower, a change of scenery may be just the ticket. If the plant is in the ground, dig it up and replant it in a pot. If the agapanthus is in a pot, move it to a sunny spot in the garden. It’s worth a try!
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
6 Flower Seeds I’m Gifting Everyone I Know This Christmas – To Inspire Their Garden In 2025
Give the most meaningful gift of growing this holiday season. Senior Editor Melanie shares her flower seed picks to delight both new and experienced gardeners.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz
‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Agapanthus Problems: Tips For Treating Diseases Of Agapanthus Plants
Agapanthus is an attractive flowering perennial native to southern Africa. The plant is easy to care for and often disease free, but some agapanthus problems can be devastating. To learn more about agapanthus diseases and treatment, chick here.
By Liz Baessler
-
Agapanthus Pruning: Tips On Cutting Back Agapanthus
Trimming agapanthus plants is an easy task that keeps this perennial bloomer from becoming shaggy and overgrown. Learn more about when and how to prune agapanthus plants in the article that follows. Click here.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
When To Fertilize Agapanthus – Tips On Fertilizing Agapanthus Plants
Agapanthus is a heavy feeder and does best with organic compost worked into the soil at planting and fertilizer during its growing period. Knowing when to fertilize agapanthus and what formulas to use will ensure big, bountiful blooms and healthy plants. Learn more here.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Agapanthus Flowering: Bloom Time For Agapanthus Plants
Agapanthus plants produce exotic-looking, lily-like blooms that take center stage in the garden. When is agapanthus bloom time and how often does agapanthus bloom? Click this article to find out so you can enjoy their flowers in your garden.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Agapanthus Container Planting: Can You Grow Agapanthus In A Pot
Agapanthus can be planted directly in the garden, but growing agapanthus in pots is very easy and worthwhile. Click the article that follows to learn more about planting agapanthus in containers and care for agapanthus in pots.
By Liz Baessler
-
Dividing Agapanthus Plants: When And How To Divide An Agapanthus Plant
You can get extra plants by dividing and transplanting agapanthus. Learn more in this article so you can enjoy an endless supply of these flowers.
By Teo Spengler
-
Companion Planting With Agapanthus: Good Companion Plants For Agapanthus
Although you may be tempted to dedicate a flower bed to agapanthus, remember that agapanthus companion plants can complement these beauties. Click this article for information about plants that grow well with agapanthus.
By Teo Spengler
-
Agapanthus Seed Pods – Tips On Propagating Agapanthus By Seed
Agapanthus seed propagation isn't difficult, but keep in mind that the plants likely won't produce blooms for at least two or three years. If this sounds like the way to go, read this article to learn about propagating agapanthus by seed, step by step.
By Mary H. Dyer