About

Agapanthus 'African Skies' is a robust, evergreen perennial reaching approximately 1.2 meters in height. It features a dense cluster of wide, strap-like leaves with a glossy finish. From mid-summer to early autumn, tall, sturdy stems bear rounded clusters of deep blue, funnel-shaped blooms.

About the genus

Agapanthus consists of perennial plants that grow in clusters, featuring long, narrow leaves. Some species maintain their foliage year-round, while others do not. These plants produce upright stems topped with rounded clusters of bell-shaped flowers, which can be blue or white.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Toxicity
Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation
In mild areas, grow in well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Otherwise grow in a container positioned in full sun. Water during the growing season and liquid feed monthly from spring to flowering. Overwinter the whole container in a cold greenhouse. See agapanthus cultivation
Pruning
No need to cut down in autumn as the seedheads look attractive over winter
Propagation
Propagate by division every three to four years in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to slugs and snails and agapanthus gall midge
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to a virus