Overview
Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Agapanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, patio and container plants and city and courtyard gardens. It is native to South Africa.
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus africanus 'Albus'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; mulch in winter to protect roots
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage in late winter if damaged
- Propagation
- Division every 3 to 4 years in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Agapanthus gall midge
- Disease resistance
- Virus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Agapanthus africanus 'Albus'?
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 'Albus'?
Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' need?
Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Agapanthus africanus 'Albus'?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage in late winter if damaged.
How big does Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' grow?
Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' 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 'Albus'?
Division every 3 to 4 years in spring.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Northern Star'Lily of the Nile
- Agapanthus nutansAfrican Lily