Getty White Agapanthus

Getty White Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus 'Getty White') is the white one for cottage borders: a clump of strappy leaves about 60cm tall and wide, topped in spring and summer with large, round clusters of brilliant white flowers on stems up to about 1m. It is more slender than most agapanthus, so it fits into mixed beds and pots where a bigger clump would crowd its neighbours.

Why you'll love it

• Brilliant white flower heads. Big, round clusters of pure white flowers light up a border through spring and summer.
• Slimmer than most agapanthus. The more slender habit leaves room for companion plants and suits containers as well as beds.
• Hardy and low maintenance. It copes with light frosts and dry spells, and needs little care once it is established.
• Neat strappy foliage. The evergreen leaves hold a tidy fountain shape between flowering seasons.
• Good for mass planting. Set in drifts, it gives elegant summer colour in borders and under larger plants.

Where it works best

Cottage garden borders. Plant 50cm apart in drifts of five or more, and the white heads read as a single generous sweep rather than scattered dots.

Underplanting. It gives pale colour beneath shrubs and trees through summer, as long as it gets sun for part of the day.

Containers. The slender habit suits a large pot, with the tall flower stems brought up close where you can see them.

Growing Getty White Agapanthus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Agapanthus are tougher than they look and settle into most sheltered spots, from subtropical to cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. Cold and dry spells are tolerated, though growth slows, so the coldest sites suit a sheltered position.

Soil. Any well drained soil will do, and a lean one suits it better than a rich one. Mulch at planting and add only a light dressing of fertiliser.

Water and feed. Water regularly and keep the mulch up for the first 12 weeks or so while the roots settle. After that it manages with little extra water, and heavy feeding only produces leaves at the expense of flowers.

Pruning. Cut back after flowering to promote a dense habit and plenty of blooms next season, and remove spent heads before seed forms, because agapanthus self sows in some regions. Lift and divide when the clumps become too large.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Getty White Agapanthus as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Young plants spend their first season building leaves and roots, so do not expect a full flower display straight away. Plant out into prepared soil, mulch and water well.

The tube is grown for us and is not in constant supply. It shows as sold out whenever our grower has none, and the notify button on the page sends you an email the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all agapanthus
• Agapanthus: choosing, planting and keeping it in flower
• Plants for mass planting
• Plants that suit pots

Common questions

How tall do the flowers stand?

The clump is about 60cm high and wide, and the flower stems rise to around 1m above it.

When should I cut it back?

After flowering. Cutting back promotes a dense habit and prolific blooms the following season. Remove the spent heads before they set seed.

Is it safe around pets?

Treat it with care. Agapanthus sap can irritate skin and the plant is mildly toxic if eaten, so avoid planting it where pets chew foliage.