Flower of the Month – December 2020

Agapanthus

Family:  Amaryllidaceae Genus: Agapanthus

Origin: South Africa

Availability:  Spring, Summer

Colours: White, Blue

AKA: African Lily, Lily of the Nile

What’s in a name: Although some commonly refer to Agapanthus as a lily it is in fact not a lily at all. Although at one time it was believed they were a part of the Liliaceae family, this has since been corrected. At first glance the most common name, Agapanthus seems to trace back to the Greek “AgapÄ“” meaning “love” and “Anthos” meaning “flower”. With a little more investigating though it seems the intended meaning could actually stem from “Agapo” meaning “to protect”. This could refer to the outer casing, which protects the abundance of blooms before they burst into flower.

Why we love it: A real sign that our Australian summer is on the way! White Agapanthus are a uniquely Southern-Hemisphere-Christmas flower, giving us festive, firework-like flowers that add sparkle to wreaths and arrangements alike.

How to get the most out of them: Agapanthus are a joy, however you choose to use them. Follow these tips to keep them blooming:

  1. Purchase when flowers are just opening and brightly coloured.
  2. Avoid bunches with falling and faded flowers.
  3. Recut stems with sharp secateurs and immediately place in water.
  4. Add preservative to water to assist with longevity.
  5. Refresh water every day.
  6. Remove spent flowers to allow others to continue to bloom.
  7. Keep away from sources of ethylene gases, such as car fumes, cigarette smoke and overripe fruit.