Phototropism in Agapanthus

Growing side by side, two agapanthus clones show different responses to light. The one at upper left leans away from a building and all the flowers are aimed at the brighter light. The one on the right, closer to the building, does not respond in the same way.

This is the same cluster from the upper left corner of the previous picture, shown from a different angle.

The cluster from the right side of the first picture.

This cluster is from a different plant growing in a shadier location. The scape leans to the right and the flowers themselves — though not the pedicels — are turned away from the shade.

"It seems impossible to influence how abundantly a certain plant will flower from year to year, but it is important, whether grown in the soil or as a potplant, that the plant be placed in a warm and sunny spot. This will also be better for the flowerstalk (peduncle): all peduncles (except for those of Agapanthus inapertus, which will be upright regardless) grow towards the light. If you grow the plant in too much shade, you will always end up with bending peduncles. Some shade is preferable if the site is very exposed and warm; in such a case, you simply have to accept that the peduncles will bend forwards."— William Snoeijer: Agapanthus: A Revision of the Genus. p 281

Karl King (June 24, 2007)