Queen Mum Agapanthus

Queen Mum Agapanthus (Agapanthus orientalis 'Queen Mum') is a tall border plant with big, two-tone flowerheads held high on long stems. It grows to about 1.5m high and 1.2m wide, and each flower shades from deep blue at the base to white at the lips. Unlike many agapanthus it rarely sets seed, so it stays where you plant it.

Why you'll love it

• Two-tone flowers. Deep blue at the base fading to white at the lips, so every head carries two colours and reads as soft blue and white from across the garden.
• Long stems. The tall flower stems stand clear of the foliage, which suits the back of a border and also makes good cut flowers.
• Rarely self-seeds. It is well behaved in the garden and does not seed itself around, which keeps it in its place.
• Tough once settled. Frost, humidity and drought tolerant once established, and surprisingly happy in cold or dry conditions.
• Easy care. Hardy and low maintenance, and very happy in containers.

Where it works best

Back of the border. Plant 1m apart so the big clumps just meet. Put shorter plants in front to hide the base of the leaves and let the flowers rise above them.

Containers. A large pot on a patio or beside steps shows off the tall flowerheads. Queen Mum is very happy in containers.

Cottage and cutting gardens. The long stems make it a natural for a cottage garden border or a row of cut flowers for the house.

Growing Queen Mum Agapanthus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Frost, humidity and drought tolerant once established, it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. In very cold or dry sites it survives but grows less.

Soil. Well drained soil, mulched, and not too rich in organic matter. Mulch and fertilise lightly at planting, and go easy on the fertiliser afterwards.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. After that it manages on rainfall in most gardens, though a deep soak in dry summers keeps the flowers coming.

Pruning and division. Deadhead after flowering to promote more blooms through summer and to stop seed forming. Lift and divide the clump when it gets too large. The sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Queen Mum Agapanthus as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical way to plant a long border and may need a season or two to reach flowering size. The potted packs give a larger clump to start with.

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

• Agapanthus: choosing, planting and keeping it in flower
• Browse the full agapanthus range
• How to create a cottage garden in Australia
• More flowering plants for colour

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

One metre apart for a border of separate clumps. The mature clump spreads to about 1.2m, so neighbouring leaves will touch and the planting reads as a continuous band.

Will it spread through my garden?

The clump widens slowly, but Queen Mum rarely sets seed, so it does not scatter seedlings. Deadheading still tidies the plant and encourages more flowers. Divide the clump when it gets too big.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Agapanthus is mildly toxic if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin. Keep it away from pets and children who chew plants, and wear gloves when dividing clumps.