African Lily (Agapanthus africanus) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 31st Jan 2024
- Plant Characteristics: Agapanthus africanus is celebrated for its large, spherical clusters of blue or white flowers on tall stalks and strappy green leaves. It's perfect for adding vertical interest and a touch of elegance to any garden.
- Growing & Care: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during the growing season. Protect from frost in colder regions.
- Tips for New Gardeners: This plant is ideal for beginners due to its low maintenance and easy care. While generally pest-free, be cautious of snails and slugs. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and flower quality.
The African lily flower makes for a fantastic looking border plant, and is also great for growing in containers.
They typically reach about 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches) in height, and have a similar spread. Plants have a bushy habit.
African Lilies in a Garden photograph by Jusotil_1943; CC.
These plants are native to South Africa, are sun loving, and enjoy afternoon shade
African lilies are members of the Agapanthus plant genus and the Amaryllidaceae famlily (so are closely related to Asparagus.
Agapanto azul (Agapanthus africanus photograph by mauroguanandi.
Plants typically have their bloom time in early and mid-summer, with attractive showy large blue flowers (some cultivars may have white flowers). Leaves are evergreen.
Can easily be grown outdoors in full sun in USDA zones 8 to 10, UK hardiness zone H3. This makes these tender perennials hardy to about -4°C (25°F).
Albus variety of the Agapanthus africanus plant photograph by 阿橋 HQ ; CC.
Outside these regions, grow in pots and bring these sun loving plants indoors when the weather begins to cool.
Ideally bring in before freezing temperatures are reached.
Close up of Agapanthus africanus flower, image by Tatters; CC.
plants are easily grown from bulbs: plant at a depth of 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) in a moist soil. Fertilize container grown African lilies regularly but moderately
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Agapanthus africanus Growing and Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Agapanthus africanus.
- Common Name: African lily.
- Growing Zone: USA: 9 to 10.
- Life Cycle / Plant Type: Indoor Plant, Perennial.
Plant Details
- Plant Height (Inches): 24 to 36.
- Plant Spread (Inches): 12 to 18.
- Time of Bloom: Late summer and early autumn.
- Flower Details: Blue.
- Leaf Foliage: Green.
- Fruit:
- Growth Form: Irregular or sprawling, Spreading or horizontal, Upright or erect.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Best Light Conditions: Partially shady to full sunlight.
- Rate of Growth: Average pace.
- Suitable Soil Types: Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Well drained.
- Soil Moisture: Medium.
Caring Conditions
- Care: medium.
- Level of Maintenance: Medium.
- Propagation: Division every 3 to 4 years in spring.
- How to Prune: No need to cut down in the autumn, as the seed-heads look attractive over winter.
- Pests: Usually pest free.
- Diseases: Usually pest free, some viral diseases.
Further Information
- Can Attract:
- Tolerant of:
- Best Garden Use: Border, Container, Foundation, En masse, Specimen.
- Family: Amaryllidaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Allium, Leeks, Agapanthus, Amarylis, , , Zephyranthes.
- Miscellaneous: Attractive foliage, Non-native to North America, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers, Attractive flowers / blooms.
- Genus Detail: Agapanthus.
- Further Reading and References: How to grow Agapanthus and Here.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Agapanthus africanus. You may also enjoy the following African plant growing guides: How to grow Ixia plants and African Daisy.
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