MORE ABOUT AGAPANTHUS   

Name

Agapanthus means 'flower of love' and is derived from the Greek agape meaning 'love' and anthos meaning 'flower'.

A. africanus and A. praecox are often confused. Both have medicinal properties, but it is A. africanus that is believed to be possessed of 'magical powers', whereas A. praecox is the one that enhances the beauty of our gardens.

	Did you know? In the world of magic, the Agapanthus is a highly respected plant. The roots can be used to make a love charm, and their magical powers even ward off thunder; You can put some leaves in your hiking shoes for relief of swollen feet; The juice of the leaves causes severe ulceration of the mouth.

Healing

Agapanthus contains several saponins (derived from the Latin sapo meaning 'soap'), which are toxic compounds that foam when shaken with water. Saponins have anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive and immuno-regulatory properties. They also help to reduce oedema or swelling.

The Zulu, following age-old traditions, use the roots and the leaves to treat respiratory problems, heart disease and chest pains.

Agapanthus is also the plant of fertility and pregnancy. Xhosa women use the roots for antenatal medicine, to induce labour and to make charm necklaces that are worn to enable the wearer to give birth to healthy babies.

Decoration

• A. praecox is an excellent cut flower;
• Use the whole head as it is, or wire it into a bouquet;
• Individual flowers can be used in small arrangements.

Gardening tips

A. africanus is hard to grow, while A. praecox is happy even in the poorest of soils. A. praecox is grown worldwide.

• Perennial – flowers in summer
• Needs average water – drought resistant
• Full sun
• Plant grows to 1 m
• Propagated from seed or by division
• Will grow in poor soil, but does best in well-drained, rich soil
• Tolerates light frost
• Good for shallow containers, mass displays, borders, rockeries and windy seaside gardens
• Use to stabilise banks to prevent erosion or as a firebreak