Overview
Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Agapanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, patio and container plants and city and courtyard gardens. It is native to South Africa.
About
Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' (African lily 'Arctic Star') is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae family. It grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun, ideally on south- or west-facing, sheltered aspects. It prefers moist but well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, and tolerates a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Notably drought resistant, it provides interest in both summer and winter seasons.
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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 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 'Arctic Star'
- Cultivation
- Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Water regularly during dry periods. Mulch in winter to protect roots.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming. Cut back foliage to ground level after it dies back in late autumn.
- 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 'Arctic Star'?
Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Water regularly during dry periods. Mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus 'Arctic Star'?
Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' need?
Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, 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 'Arctic Star'?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming. Cut back foliage to ground level after it dies back in late autumn.
How big does Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' grow?
Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' 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 'Arctic Star'?
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