Blue Lily
Agapanthus praecox
Also listed as Agapanthus comptonii, Agapanthus giganteus
Also known as Lily of the Nile, Common Agapanthus, African Lily
Climate Match for your location
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Agapanthus praecox is a clump-forming perennial with strap-like foliage and striking spherical clusters of blue or blue-purple flowers held on tall stems. It is drought-tolerant once established and performs best in full sun with minimal watering.
Why grow it
Agapanthus praecox offers reliable summer flowering and architectural foliage in a compact, clump-forming habit compared to taller agapanthus species. Its combination of drought tolerance once established and minimal fertilizer requirements makes it suited to low-input landscapes and poor soils where other ornamentals demand more attention. The spherical flower clusters provide a distinct visual form different from typical spike or daisy-form perennials.
Watch out for
Plants may take two to three seasons to establish and flower reliably, so patience is required before assessing performance. In humid climates with poor air circulation, fungal leaf spots can develop on the foliage, though this is primarily a cosmetic issue. Container-grown specimens require regular watering during the growing season and should not be allowed to dry completely, despite the plant's eventual drought tolerance in ground.
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
Agapanthus praecox is a clump-forming perennial with strap-like foliage and striking spherical clusters of blue or blue-purple flowers held on tall stems. It is drought-tolerant once established and performs best in full sun with minimal watering.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Blue Lily grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Agapanthus praecox offers reliable summer flowering and architectural foliage in a compact, clump-forming habit compared to taller agapanthus species. Its combination of drought tolerance once established and minimal fertilizer requirements makes it suited to low-input landscapes and poor soils where other ornamentals demand more attention. The spherical flower clusters provide a distinct visual form different from typical spike or daisy-form perennials.
Watch out for
Plants may take two to three seasons to establish and flower reliably, so patience is required before assessing performance. In humid climates with poor air circulation, fungal leaf spots can develop on the foliage, though this is primarily a cosmetic issue. Container-grown specimens require regular watering during the growing season and should not be allowed to dry completely, despite the plant's eventual drought tolerance in ground.
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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