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Agapanthus africanus (African Lily)

African Lily, Lily of the Nile, Blue African Lily, Egyptian Lily, Agapanthus minor, Agapanthus umbellatus, Agapanthus africanus minor

Agapanthus Africanus, Lily of the Nile, African Lily, Blue flower, Blue Agapanthus, Blue African Lily
Agapanthus Africanus, Lily of the Nile, African Lily, Blue flower, Blue Agapanthus, Blue African Lily

Agapanthus africanus (African Lily) is an evergreen perennial with showy rounded clusters of funnel-shaped blue flowers in early to mid-summer. They rise on stiff, upright stalks atop a dense clump of narrow, strap-shaped, linear, grass-like leaves. The foliage remains attractive when the plant is not in bloom.

  • Easy to grow, pest and disease free, this African Lily is quite vigorous and grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. In a hot climate area, Agapanthus will do better in partial shade. Bear in mind that most varieties will lean toward the sun, which makes a south-facing border the best location. Do not allow plants to dry out except when dormant.
  • Spectacular when planted in great swathes, this Agapanthus fits most garden settings or mixed borders, makes a fantastic accent plant in containers, and has excellent cut flowers! A great choice for coastal areas as African Lilies cope well with windy and salty air.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant, it attracts butterflies, bees, and birds.
  • In late fall remove or tidy up any remaining leaves, but seedheads can be left as they look attractive over winter.
  • Propagate by division every three to four years in spring.
  • Agapanthus africanus is native to Southern Africa.
  • African Lilies are poisonous and should not be consumed by humans and pets.

Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Bountiful Agapanthus


Native to South Africa, Agapanthus (African Lily) are such flamboyant and exotic-looking perennials that it is impossible not to love them! Easy to grow, pest and disease free, they feature showy, rounded clusters of brightly colored flowers on stiff, upright stalks atop clumps of beautiful, long, shiny leaves. However, some basic rules need to be followed to enjoy their splendid flowers.

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Agapanthus
Common names Lily of the Nile, African Lily
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid),
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Depth 2" (5cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Agapanthus ‘Black Buddhist’ (African Lily)
Agapanthus Ever Sapphire (African Lily)
Agapanthus ‘Polar Ice’ (African Lily)
Agapanthus ‘Purple Cloud’ (African Lily)
Agapanthus ‘Midnight Star’ (African Lily)
Agapanthus ‘Blue Heaven’ (African Lily)

Recommended Companion Plants

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
Kniphofia ‘Alcazar’ (Red Hot Poker)
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ (Montbretia)
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)

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Agapanthus (African Lily)
Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Bountiful Agapanthus
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Agapanthus
Common names Lily of the Nile, African Lily
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid),
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Depth 2" (5cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)
Not sure which Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) to pick?
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