Overview
Agapanthus 'Purple Cloud' is a bushy 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 'Purple Cloud' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders and containers. It is native to South Africa.
About
Agapanthus 'Purple Cloud' (African lily 'Purple Cloud') is a bushy, deciduous herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Agapanthus in the family Amaryllidaceae. 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 a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with moist but well-drained conditions and can tolerate acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. Its season of interest includes both summer 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, 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 'Purple Cloud' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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 'Purple Cloud'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Water regularly during dry periods. Protect from strong winds. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming. Cut back foliage in late autumn after it dies down.
- Propagation
- Division, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Agapanthus 'Purple Cloud'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Water regularly during dry periods. Protect from strong winds. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Where is the best place to plant Agapanthus 'Purple Cloud'?
Agapanthus 'Purple Cloud' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agapanthus 'Purple Cloud' need?
Agapanthus 'Purple Cloud' 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 'Purple Cloud'?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage further blooming. Cut back foliage in late autumn after it dies down.
How big does Agapanthus 'Purple Cloud' grow?
Agapanthus 'Purple Cloud' 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 'Purple Cloud' hardy in the UK?
Agapanthus 'Purple Cloud' 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 'Purple Cloud'?
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