Overview
Agapanthus africanus is a clump-forming perennial perennial in the genus Agapanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with strap-like leaves foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Agapanthus africanus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and coastal gardens. It is native to Cape Provinces.
About
Agapanthus africanus, commonly named the African lily, is a flowering plant from the genus Agapanthus found only on rocky sandstone slopes of the winter rainfall fynbos from the Cape Peninsula to Swellendam. It is also called the lily of the Nile in spite of only growing in South Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agapanthus africanus
About the genus
Agapanthus is a genus of plants, the only one in the subfamily Agapanthoideae of the family Amaryllidaceae. The subfamily was formerly treated as a separate family, Agapanthaceae. The family is in the monocot order Asparagales.
Wikipedia contributors, "Agapanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agapanthus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Agapanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Agapanthus africanus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming perennial
- Foliage
- Strap-like leaves
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, coastal gardens
- Native to
- Cape Provinces
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus africanus
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; mulch in winter to protect roots.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stalks and dead leaves to maintain appearance.
- Propagation
- Division, seed sowing
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to agapanthus gall midge
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Agapanthus africanus?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus africanus?
Agapanthus africanus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus africanus need?
Agapanthus africanus grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Agapanthus africanus?
Remove spent flower stalks and dead leaves to maintain appearance.
How big does Agapanthus africanus grow?
Agapanthus africanus reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Agapanthus africanus hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus africanus has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Agapanthus africanus?
Division, seed sowing.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Northern Star'Lily of the Nile
- Agapanthus nutansAfrican Lily