Southern Living Plants Logo
  • About Us
    • History Of The Collection
    • Events
    • Brochure
    • Testimonials
    • Botanical Gardens
    • Why Choose Plants from Southern Living® Plant Collection?
  • The Plants
    • Shrubs
    • Trees
    • Berry Plants & Fruit Trees
    • Annuals and Perennials
    • Groundcovers/Grasses
    • Tropicals
    • Vines
    • New Introductions
  • Where to Buy
    • Find a Retailer
    • Online Retailers
    • Local Landscapers
  • In the Garden
    • Plan Your Garden
    • Inspiration & Projects
    • Planting & Care
  • Connect With Us
    • Like Us
    • Pinterest
    • #SLPlants
    • Youtube
    • Request Newsletter
Menu
  • About Us
    • History Of The Collection
    • Events
    • Brochure
    • Testimonials
    • Botanical Gardens
    • Why Choose Plants from Southern Living® Plant Collection?
  • The Plants
    • Shrubs
    • Trees
    • Berry Plants & Fruit Trees
    • Annuals and Perennials
    • Groundcovers/Grasses
    • Tropicals
    • Vines
    • New Introductions
  • Where to Buy
    • Find a Retailer
    • Online Retailers
    • Local Landscapers
  • In the Garden
    • Plan Your Garden
    • Inspiration & Projects
    • Planting & Care
  • Connect With Us
    • Like Us
    • Pinterest
    • #SLPlants
    • Youtube
    • Request Newsletter
Search
Close

Style Your Home and Patio with Agapanthus

  1. Home
  2. Style Your Home and Patio with Agapanthus
  • By Kim Toscano
  • March 28, 2020
Create striking displays with the sturdy stems and stunning cut flower blooms of agapanthus
Southern Living agapanthus varieties in a container garden

Few plants are as amenable to styling as agapanthus, or lily of the nile. Each stalk is a self-contained retrospective of drama – showy, solid, and elegant. With gracefully-arching foliage, long strong stems, and explosive flower heads, every element of the plant shines. Southern Living has introduced more than a dozen of these stellar but tough varieties perfect for decorating your table or terrace. Looking for design inspiration? Read on.

Bundle Up the Blooms

Gather handfuls of agapanthus stems into vases for a simple but effective way to showcase these spectacular blossoms. The long shoots and rounded flower heads work well in tall, flared vases. Or cut the stems short and pack flowers tightly into a short, cubed vase. Also try displaying blooms singly. Such a gorgeous flower requires very little primping to show off. Set single blooms in bud vases throughout the living room or on patio tables.

Go Vertical

Agapanthus stems are not just sturdy – their straight, smooth lines inspire extraordinary designs. Let those long legs show by standing agapanthus stems high above accompanying cut flowers and greenery. Use a frog, needle holder, or florist foam to keep stalks upright. For a dynamic display, vary the heights of agapanthus blooms by cutting the stems at different lengths. A staggered effect adds movement to the arrangment.

Break It Up

Less is more, as the old adage goes. Separate individual florets from the flower head for use in diminutive arrangements. Float single flowers in a shallow dish of water or fill bud vases and tea cups with small bundles of florets. For a unique table display, intermix miniature arrangements among larger ones. Surprise dinner guests with individual bouquets at each place setting.

Let Your Creativity Flow

Agapanthus are perfect for artistic styling and Ikebana-inspired arrangements. Keep simplicity in mind. Look for ways to showcase the plant’s elegance and superb architecture. Instill a sense of movement by incorporating twisting blades of grass or bare branches. Or put those long stems to the test by playing with extremes in balance. Let your imagination run wild.

Indigo Frost Agapanthus looks stunning on the patio in wooden containers and mixed perennials.

Container Magic

Agapanthus is one of those plants that fills a container all by itself. Lush foliage flows in elegant arcs while boisterous blooms stand tall in a theatrical display. The clean lines and sophistication of agapanthus make it ideal for repeating throughout the patio. Use large containers to define space or line a stairwell. Growing agapanthus in container gardens allows gardeners in cooler climates to enjoy these stunning plants.

Browse Southern Living Agapanthus varieties.

Kim Toscano

Kimberly Toscano is a freelance writer, gardening expert and traveler with an eye on design. Kimberly blends her formal training in horticulture and entomology with her passion for design to educate and inspire gardeners.
View More Articles

Related Articles

Loading...

Transform a Space into an Outdoor Oasis

Give your guests a getaway within their getaway.

Plant Pots that Wow

Add a vertical element...

Exposure Challenge: Designing Gardens that Transition Between Sun and Shade

Versatile plant materials and thoughtful placement are key components of tackling the part sun/part shade garden

Plants Featured In The article

Loading...
Agapanthus

Ever Amethyst™ Agapanthus

Agapathus hybrid ‘MP003’ PP30163
Agapanthus

Indigo Frost™ Agapanthus

Agapanthus hybrid ‘AMBIC001’ PP25519
Agapanthus

Queen Mum™ Agapanthus

Agapanthus orientalis ‘PMN06’ PP24651
Agapanthus

Little Blue Fountain™ Agapanthus

Agapanthus Hybrid ‘Brilliant Blue’ PP25966
Agapanthus

Ever Sapphire™ Agapanthus

Agapanthus hybrid ‘ANDBIN’ PP26336
Agapanthus

Ever Midnight™ Agapanthus

Agapanthus hybrid ‘SDB002’ PP30164
Agapanthus

Ever Twilight™ Agapanthus

Agapanthus hybrid ‘MDB001’ PP30162
Agapanthus

Ever White™ Agapanthus

Agapanthus hybrid ‘WP001’ PP27357

Join the Conversation!

Where To Buy
Southern Living Plants

{find a garden center near you}

Southern Living Plants Logo
Instagram
Facebook-f
Pinterest
Youtube

Plants

  • Annuals and Perennials
  • Berry Plants & Fruit Trees
  • Groundcovers/Grasses
  • Shrubs
  • Trees
  • Tropicals
  • Vines
Menu
  • Annuals and Perennials
  • Berry Plants & Fruit Trees
  • Groundcovers/Grasses
  • Shrubs
  • Trees
  • Tropicals
  • Vines

About Us

  • About Us
  • History Of The Collection
  • Events
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
Menu
  • About Us
  • History Of The Collection
  • Events
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us

PRO Resources

  • Brand Resources
  • Marketing Support
  • Fact Sheets
  • Image Gallery
  • Re-Wholesaler Locator
Menu
  • Brand Resources
  • Marketing Support
  • Fact Sheets
  • Image Gallery
  • Re-Wholesaler Locator
©2021 Southern Living Plant Collection