Agapanthus
Agapanthus africanus
Also listed as Agapanthus umbellatus, Agapanthus minor
Also known as Lily of the Nile, African Lily, Blue Lily
Climate Match for your location
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A clump-forming perennial with striking blue or purple ball-shaped flower clusters held atop tall, strappy green foliage. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, it thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established.
Why grow it
Agapanthus africanus offers reliable summer flowering with minimal inputs once established, making it useful for water-conscious landscapes. Compared to many herbaceous perennials, it tolerates poor soils and neglect while still producing consistent blooms. Its extended flowering period and ability to thrive in full sun without deadheading make it a low-maintenance choice for ornamental borders.
Watch out for
In cooler climates, plants may take several years to reach mature flowering size and may not flower at all if winter protection is inadequate. Container-grown specimens require regular watering and feeding during the growing season, as pot culture dries out quickly. Flowering performance declines noticeably if plants become too crowded, so division every four to five years is advisable in established plantings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
Native Range
South Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A clump-forming perennial with striking blue or purple ball-shaped flower clusters held atop tall, strappy green foliage. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, it thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Agapanthus grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Agapanthus africanus offers reliable summer flowering with minimal inputs once established, making it useful for water-conscious landscapes. Compared to many herbaceous perennials, it tolerates poor soils and neglect while still producing consistent blooms. Its extended flowering period and ability to thrive in full sun without deadheading make it a low-maintenance choice for ornamental borders.
Watch out for
In cooler climates, plants may take several years to reach mature flowering size and may not flower at all if winter protection is inadequate. Container-grown specimens require regular watering and feeding during the growing season, as pot culture dries out quickly. Flowering performance declines noticeably if plants become too crowded, so division every four to five years is advisable in established plantings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
Native Range
South Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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