Agapanthus is here defined as all Agapanthus praecox tall form cultivars (those exceeding 60 cm height). After the RPMP has been operational for 2 years, this definition will be expanded to include all Agapanthus praecox cultivars, except those determined by Auckland Council to be low fertility cultivars. Low fertility cultivars are listed on the Auckland Botanic Gardens website.
Perennial evergreen herb < 1.2 m tall. Leaves are leathery, arching and arise from the base in clumps. Flowers are white/blue/purple and are borne in terminal umbels on erect stems in December – February. Seed capsules are three sided and contain thin, black, papery seeds.
To help protect our environment:
Open habitat, disturbed sites, coastal ecosystems, rocky sites, roadsides, forest and riparian margins, canopy gaps, sand dunes, ditches.
Seeds dispersed by wind, gravity and water. Vegetative spread from rhizome fragments. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste and deliberate plantings.
Forms dense infestations that exclude native vegetation, especially in coastal areas. Toxic if ingested. Contact allergens can cause rashes, burning sensations and mouth ulcerations, especially in children.
Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.