Agapanthus africanus

Liliaceae

African Blue Lily, African Lily, Lily of the Nile

Synonymous names for this species. A. praecox; A. umbellatus.

Dense clumps of green strap like leaves; with ball shaped flower heads on top of stems that rise above the foliage. Flowers are mostly shades of blue or white.

Uses

Borders, garden beds, container plants.

Also for soil stabilisation on slopes.

Culture

These are hardy plants except in cold temperate zones where they need a sheltered position which receives sun. Most fertile well-drained soils are suffice. Health: Few pest and disease problems. Uses: Pot plants, border plants, driveways. Seed heads make interesting dried flower displays.

Propagation

Plants may be divided in spring or grown from seeds. Seedlings may take several years to produce flowers.

Cultivars

A large number of cultivars are grown in gardens around the world, including different species selections and hybrids; varying in size and flower colour. Variegated forms also exist, both foliage and flower variegations including:

A. p. var. albus

A.p subsp. orientalis

'Big Blue'

'Blue Storm

'Dwarf Blue'

'Dwarf White'

'Getty White'

'Uberwintern'

 

 

Plant Health

Few serious problems but loved by snails and slugs.

More info

An environmental weed in some countries (e.g. parts of Australia).

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