Agapanthus Streamline

Agapanthus 'Streamline' is the dwarf, low seeding agapanthus worth planting where the old garden varieties have worn out their welcome. It holds at about 60cm tall and 50cm wide, carries pale blue heads through summer, and sets very little seed, so it stays where you put it. Give it sun and it will hold a border for a decade with almost no attention.

Why you'll love it

• Low seeding, unlike the common types. Older agapanthus self seed into bushland and neighbouring gardens. This selection produces very little viable seed, which makes it the responsible pick.
• A neat 60cm. Compact enough to edge a path or line a pool fence without the tall flopping stems of a standard agapanthus.
• Almost indestructible. Frost hardy, drought tolerant, heat tolerant, salt tolerant and content in poor soil. Few plants tick that many boxes.
• Long flowering. Pale blue heads open through summer above evergreen strappy foliage that keeps the border furnished all year.

Where it works best

Borders and mass planting. Plant 40cm apart for a solid border. At that spacing the clumps knit within two seasons and weeds lose their opening.

Poolside and coastal gardens. Salt tolerance and tough evergreen leaves suit it to pool surrounds and exposed seaside blocks, where it takes wind and reflected heat without burning.

Pots and containers. The compact habit makes it one of the better agapanthus for pots. It flowers more freely when slightly root bound, so there is no rush to divide.

Growing Agapanthus Streamline in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most flowers; part shade means fewer heads and looser foliage. It performs across subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and it is frost hardy, so cold southern districts are no obstacle.

Soil. Almost anything that drains. It copes with poor and sandy ground, and only genuinely boggy soil defeats it. On heavy clay, raise the bed and add compost.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first summer, then only in long dry spells. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring lifts flowering; too much nitrogen produces leaves at the expense of heads.

Pruning. Cut spent flower stems at the base once they finish, which tidies the clump and further limits seeding. Tidy damaged leaves in late winter, and divide congested clumps every four or five years if flowering drops off.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold as tube stock or in 140mm pots in packs of ten. Tubes are young divisions with a few leaves and are the economical choice for a long border, though they usually flower in their second summer. The 140mm plants are further along and many will flower in the first season.

Strappy leaves travel well and any bent foliage straightens or can be trimmed off. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee. Expect roots to take hold within a month in the warmer months.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Compare the full agapanthus range.
• Browse other poolside plants.
• Read our guide to choosing edging plants.
• See what else suits coastal and salt exposed gardens.

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Forty centimetres apart for a solid border or mass planting. Wider spacing leaves gaps that take an extra season to close and gives weeds room in the meantime.

Will it seed into my garden or the bush?

Very little. This is a low seeding selection, which is why it is preferred over older varieties. Cutting spent flower heads off after flowering reduces it further.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. All agapanthus are toxic to cats and dogs, and the sap can also irritate skin. Wear gloves when dividing, and choose something else if your pet digs or chews.

Why is mine not flowering?

Usually too much shade or too much nitrogen. Move it into full sun and switch to a balanced slow release fertiliser, and give a newly planted clump a season to settle before judging it.

Western Australia: this plant is listed as an environmental weed in WA, where it escapes from gardens into bushland. We do not recommend it for WA gardens. Please choose a local alternative.