If you take a moment to deadhead your Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus), you’re doing the plant a huge favor. Cutting back those spent blooms helps the plant focus its energy on growth rather than seed production—and in some cases, it might even reward you with a second flush of flowers later in the season. Here’s the lowdown on how to do it right.
When to Cut Back the Blooms
Once those beautiful clusters start to wither and fade, it’s time to grab your garden shears. Gardeners all over the world swear by this simple trick. By removing the old flowers, you stop the plant from wasting its “fuel” on dying parts.
There is one small trade-off, though: if you cut the flowers, the plant won’t produce seeds. So, if you’re planning on harvesting seeds to start new plants or you want your Agapanthus to self-seed and spread naturally, you’ll want to leave those stalks alone.
Here is the best way to prune your Lily of the Nile:
- Grab a pair of sharp, clean garden shears.
- Cut the entire flower stalk off right at the base.
- Toss the clippings into your compost bin or green waste.
Extra Perks of Pruning Your Agapanthus
If you have a few different varieties of Lily of the Nile in your garden, deadheading serves another purpose: it prevents cross-pollination. By cutting the flowers before they go to seed, you ensure that your different varieties stay true to their original form rather than mixing into hybrids. If you eventually *do* want to harvest seeds but keep the varieties pure, your best bet is to plant them in different areas of your yard.
Don’t sweat it if you miss a few blooms, though. These plants are incredibly low-maintenance and won’t suffer if you skip the pruning. The most important things for a happy Agapanthus are choosing the right location and making sure they are protected or brought inside for the winter. During the growing season, they’re pretty chill—just fertilize them about once a month, and they’ll have all the nutrients they need to thrive.
