Agapanthus praecox

Common Names

Common Agapanthus, Blue Lily, African Lily, Lily of the Nile

Summary

Agapanthus praecox is a clump-forming evergreen perennial native to South Africa, forming wide clumps up to 0.8–1 m tall with long strap-shaped leaves. It bears umbels of blue or white trumpet-shaped flowers on erect stems, blooming in late spring to summer.

Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun and tolerates drought once established; in colder regions frost protection or container overwintering is advised. Propagation is by division or by seed and it may self-seed, with new plants taking 2–3 years to flower. Common uses include borders and containers, with potential cultivation in verges or slopes; hardiness is typically USDA 8b–11b. Pests include slugs, snails, agapanthus gall midge, and viruses.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3.5-5 feet

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8b-11b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile, moist soil (chalk, loam, or sand).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Any soil pH, tolerant of acidic, alkaline, and neutral soils.

Bloom Color

Blue, white, blue-and-white, indigo, lilac, pink, bicolor

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green (dark green to bluish-green)

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous, Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies