Overview
Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' 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 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' 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 borders and containers. It is native to South Africa.
About
Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' is a deciduous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Agapanthus, commonly known as African lily. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered position with south, west, or east-facing aspects. It grows well in moist but well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. 'Polar Ice' is drought resistant and offers seasonal interest through summer, autumn, and winter.
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, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agapanthus 'Polar Ice'
- Cultivation
- Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil with good moisture retention. Mulch in winter to protect roots. Water regularly during dry periods.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming and tidy appearance. Cut back foliage after flowering if it becomes untidy.
- Propagation
- Division, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Agapanthus 'Polar Ice'?
Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil with good moisture retention. Mulch in winter to protect roots. Water regularly during dry periods.
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus 'Polar Ice'?
Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' need?
Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' 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 'Polar Ice'?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming and tidy appearance. Cut back foliage after flowering if it becomes untidy.
How big does Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' grow?
Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' 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 'Polar Ice' hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' 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 'Polar Ice'?
Division, Root cuttings.
More in the Agapanthus genus
- Agapanthus 'Maureen'African Lily

- Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist'African Lily
- Agapanthus 'Northern Star'Lily of the Nile
- Agapanthus nutansAfrican Lily