Source: https://tinyurl.com/yvkdxwtx
Andy de Wet with a bunch of Agapanthus Blackjack
Few flowers inspire as much local pride - and global admiration - as Agapanthus. In South Africa, these graceful blooms don’t just brighten gardens; they tell a story of ingenuity and national pride. From international awards to breakthrough cultivars (yes, even pink!), our beloved “African lilies” have become living symbols of South Africa’s botanical excellence.
At the centre of this success stands Andy de Wet - master breeder, scientist and visionary. Known worldwide for reshaping how we see the “flower of love,” Andy has spent a lifetime cultivating plants with both passion and precision. “We cultivate plants scientifically,” he says, capturing his philosophy of blending research and artistry to bring out the best in nature.
Through his nurseries and his renowned venture, De Wet Plant Breeders, founded with long-time collaborator Quinton Bean, Andy has transformed South Africa into a global hub for Agapanthus innovation. Together, they have pioneered the breeding of heat- and drought-resistant indigenous plants, developed over 27 genera and earned multiple international accolades. Their home base - The Aloe Farm in Hartbeespoort - has become both a horticultural destination and a living classroom, where science meets spectacle and visitors can walk among the results of decades of dedication.
With years of research, experimentation and an unwavering curiosity about how plants adapt and thrive, Andy de Wet has elevated Agapanthus breeding into an art form. His creations span an extraordinary spectrum of colour and form - from classic blues and crisp whites to dazzling bicolours and the world’s first soft pink. Each cultivar reflects his trademark blend of patience, precision and passion.
Later in this feature, Andy de Wet shares his Ten Tips for Growing Agapanthus - a practical, experience-driven roadmap refined through decades of hands-on cultivation - but first, we explore the remarkable flower and the extraordinary varieties that have made his name synonymous with excellence in South African horticulture.
Origin and Heritage
Native to Southern Africa, Agapanthus thrives from the Cape to Limpopo and into Mozambique, flourishing across rocky slopes, grasslands and mountain regions. First recorded at the Cape of Good Hope in 1679, these resilient plants soon captivated European collectors, earning the name derived from the Greek agape (love) and anthos (flower) - the “flower of love.”
Agapanthus Inapertus
Among the best-known species are the evergreen Agapanthus africanus of the Western Cape, the adaptable A. praecox of summer-rainfall regions and the pendulous A. inapertus of KwaZulu-Natal. Deeply rooted in South African culture, they are affectionately called isicakathi in Xhosa, ubani in Zulu and kleinbloulelie in Afrikaans - a reminder of their place in both landscape and heritage.
Though they all belong to one genus, agapanthus come in a dazzling variety of forms. Some remain evergreen, others die back seasonally and they range from compact pot-friendly dwarfs to tall, commanding garden specimens. Modern breeders have refined this natural diversity, combining traits such as re-blooming, hardiness and robust foliage to produce plants that are as tough as they are beautiful - ensuring there’s an agapanthus for every climate, garden and gardener.
Globally Acclaimed Agapanthus - Bred in South Africa, Loved Everywhere
Carrying this legacy forward, De Wet Plant Breeders has become the driving force behind South Africa’s global Agapanthus success story. Their exceptional breeding programme has produced some of the world’s most admired cultivars - plants that not only embody beauty but also resilience, adaptability and innovation. Historically, Agapanthus colours ranged from deep blue, pale blue, violet, to white - often with darker stripes or midrib patterning. Their innovations have transformed Agapanthus from a traditional garden staple into a global showstopper.
Each year, their work takes centre stage at the Agapanthus Festival, hosted in partnership with CND Nursery and The Aloe Farm. The 2025 edition, set for 1 to 23 November, will mark a historic moment with the public debut of Agapanthus Blush Pink - the world’s first true pink variety and the crowning achievement of two decades of dedicated breeding.
Agapanthus Blush Pink
In 2023, the De Wet Breeders’ cultivar Agapanthus ‘Blackjack’ won Best New Plant of the Year at the Chelsea Flower Show in the UK.
Source: https://cndnursery.co.za/product/Agapanthus-blackjack-19cm/
Agapanthus Blackjack
Poppin’ Purple is an evergreen, cold-hardy, re-blooming purple cultivar. It won Best New Perennial at IPM Essen 2020.
Image source: https://thealoefarm.co.za/2022/11/23/whats-poppin/
Poppin’ Purple
Image Source: https://cndnursery.co.za/product/agapanthus-blue-thunder-21cm/
Agapanthus Blue Thunder
Agapanthus Blue Thunder, Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’, Bingo Blue / White and others remain among the flagship de Wet lines, widely used both in local landscape work and export trade.
Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’
The breeders’ drive behind these innovations is not purely aesthetic - they aim to improve drought tolerance, pest resistance, branching, reblooming capability, cold/frost hardiness and container behavior.
Seasonal Guide: Growing Agapanthus in South Africa
After decades spent perfecting South Africa’s most iconic bloom, Andy de Wet has learned exactly what makes Agapanthus thrive - and he’s generously shared his insights with us.
Drawing on years of scientific cultivation, observation and experimentation, he shares ten tips that any gardener can follow to bring out the best in these beloved plants. From the first signs of new growth to the final flush of flowers, Andy's roadmap reveals how timing, soil care and smart maintenance can turn every garden into a living tribute to the “flower of love.”
🌿 10 Tips for Growing Spectacular Agapanthus
If your Agapanthus were planted in well-prepared soil - rich in organic matter, balanced with bonemeal, and positioned in a sunny, well-drained spot - you’ve already laid the groundwork for success. From this strong start, consistency is key. Andy de Wet’s ten practical tips will help you nurture your plants through every season, ensuring they flourish with vigour, resilience and the kind of show-stopping blooms that have made South Africa’s “flower of love” famous around the world.
1. Start with healthy soil.
Before spring growth begins, enrich the soil with plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Good drainage is key - Agapanthus dislike soggy roots.
2. Divide and rejuvenate.
Every four to five years, lift and divide overcrowded clumps. Replant divisions at the same depth and don't over water while they are re establishing, water well after they start to grow.
3. Feed for strength and colour.
As new shoots appear, apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser that’s rich in potash and phosphorus to encourage sturdy stems and generous flower heads. Talborne Vita Fruit and Flower, every 4 months is ideal.
4. Clear and warm the beds.
Remove weeds and competing plants and let the soil surface warm in the sun. This encourages microbial activity and sets the stage for strong early growth.
5. Watch the spring surge.
When shoots begin to stretch and buds form, increase watering to support the growth spurt. Check regularly for slugs and snails and protect tender young leaves from damage - an effective and eco-friendly option is Ferramol Natural Snail and Slug Bait, an organic molluscicide containing naturally occurring iron phosphate that controls pests without harming beneficial insects or the surrounding environment.
6. Support tall bloomers.
Larger Agapanthus varieties may need light staking as flower stems develop. This helps prevent bending or breakage when the blooms open.
7. Keep up summer care.
At the height of flowering, remove spent umbels to encourage new blooms and maintain a tidy look. Water deeply during dry spells rather than little and often.
8. Feed and protect.
A light mid-season fertiliser rich in potash and phosphorus helps sustain flowering. Add a thin layer of mulch to conserve moisture - but don’t cover the crown.
9. Ease into autumn.
As flowering slows, let the plants rest. Remove old flower heads, reduce watering and tidy fading leaves. In frost-prone areas, improve drainage around crowns to prevent rot.
10. Let winter rest work its magic.
During winter dormancy, water sparingly and protect tender plants with mulch or frost cloth. In very cold regions, move container-grown Agapanthus to sheltered spots. Use this quiet season to plan and prepare for spring - your reward will be a stronger, more vibrant display next year.
The Flower of Love, Forever Ours
Agapanthus have earned their place as true hallmarks of South African gardens, thanks to a blend of beauty, resilience and heritage. Once established, their tough rhizomes and efficient water use make them remarkably low-maintenance, thriving even in drier conditions. Their long-lasting umbels often hold their colour for weeks, particularly in cooler weather, ensuring a steady show across the Summer months. They are also generous to the wider ecosystem, drawing in bees, butterflies and other pollinators that bring life and movement into the garden.
Few plants are as versatile - whether mass-planted for dramatic effect, tucked into borders, lifted into containers, cut for indoor arrangements or showcased as stand-alone specimens, they adapt with ease. And perhaps most importantly, they carry with them a sense of local pride: rooted in our landscapes yet refined by world-class South African breeding, Agapanthus are as much a symbol of home as they are an export success.
As you walk through your garden or plan your next planting, remember: each Agapanthus cultivar carries a bit of South Africa’s floral soul. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or newcomer, may this guide help you cultivate, appreciate and celebrate the “flower of love” in full bloom.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended as a general guide for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. Growing conditions can vary by region and microclimate and specific care may differ depending on cultivar and environment. For personalised advice, consult a qualified horticulturist or local nursery. Hamiltons and the author do not accept liability for plant losses or results arising from the application of this guide.
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