When to plant African Lily?

African lilies thrive in full sun and need well-drained soil to perform at their best. They tolerate sandy soil and loam equally well, but drainage is critical—waterlogged roots in winter are the main cause of failure in temperate climates. If your soil is heavy clay, work in plenty of grit or sharp sand before planting, or consider growing agapanthus in large containers filled with a loam-based compost mixed with extra grit. Plant agapanthus in April or May, once the risk of hard frost has passed and the soil is warming up. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the crown so it sits just below the soil surface—planting too deep can inhibit flowering. Space plants 50 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 40–60 cm. If you're planting pot-grown specimens, tease out any circling roots gently to encourage them to spread into the surrounding soil. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots, then water sparingly until you see strong new growth. Agapanthus actually flower better when slightly pot-bound or root-restricted, so avoid over-generous planting holes. Apply a 5 cm layer of mulch around the base—composted bark or gravel works well—but keep it clear of the crown itself to prevent rot. In colder parts of zone 8, choose a sheltered spot near a south-facing wall where the microclimate is a degree or two warmer, and consider covering the crown with a thick dry mulch in the first winter to help establishment.