Agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus 'Black Magic' (African lily 'Black Magic')

Botanical name

Agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus 'Black Magic'

Other names

African lily 'Black Magic'

Genus

Agapanthus Agapanthus

Variety or Cultivar

'Black Magic' _ 'Black Magic' is a clump-forming, deciduous perennial with erect, strap-shaped, mid- to dark green leaves and, from summer into autumn, sturdy, upright stems bearing rounded umbels of black buds opening to pendent, tubular, dark purple flowers in late summer and early autumn.

Native to

Garden origin

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Erect flower stem, Clump-forming, Upright

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Colour

Flower

Dark-purple in Summer; Dark-purple in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free.

Specific pests

Slugs , Snails

Diseases

Generally disease free, but a virus disease may be a problem.

General care

Pruning

Spent flower stems can be cut in autumn or leave seedheads intact for winter interest. Divide every 3-4 years in spring.

Propagation

Propagate by division every 3 to 4 years in spring.

Propagation methods

Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus 'Black Magic' (African lily 'Black Magic') will reach a height of 0.8m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Coastal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Mediterranean, Containers, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for growing in a container, especially in areas with cold, wet winters. Apply a deep winter mulch in cold areas. Avoid excessive winter wet.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus 'Black Magic' (African lily 'Black Magic')

Common pest name

Agapanthus gall midge

Scientific pest name

Enigmadiplosis agapanthi

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Previously unknown gall midge; reported to be affecting Agapanthus across southern England with findings also in the north of England. Stakeholder led research and awareness will help to determine its distribution and consider suppression options.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/