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Agapanthus africanus (African blue lily)
3 hours care
per year
per year
0.8m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Agapanthus africanus
Other names
African blue lily
Genus
Agapanthus Agapanthus
Species
A. africanus - A. africanus is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial with strap-like leaves and umbels of trumpet-shaped, deep blue flowers in late summer.
Agapanthus africanus is: Semi evergreen
Habit
Upright
Flower
Blue in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free, but a virus disease may be a problem.
General care
Pruning
No need to cut down in the autumn, as the seedheads look attractive over winter
Propagation
Propagate by division every 3 to 4 years in spring.
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Agapanthus africanus (African blue lily) will reach a height of 0.8m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Coastal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Mediterranean, Containers, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Can also grow in a container. In cold areas, mulch well overwinter.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Agapanthus africanus
Other names
African blue lily
Genus
Agapanthus Agapanthus
Species
A. africanus - A. africanus is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial with strap-like leaves and umbels of trumpet-shaped, deep blue flowers in late summer.
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Upright
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Colour
Flower
Blue in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free, but a virus disease may be a problem.
General care
Pruning
No need to cut down in the autumn, as the seedheads look attractive over winter
Propagation
Propagate by division every 3 to 4 years in spring.
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Agapanthus africanus (African blue lily) will reach a height of 0.8m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Coastal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Mediterranean, Containers, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Can also grow in a container. In cold areas, mulch well overwinter.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8
Defra's Risk register #1
Plant name
Agapanthus africanus (African blue lily)
Common pest name
Agapanthus gall midge
Scientific pest name
Enigmadiplosis agapanthi
Type
Insect
Current status in UK
Present (Limited)
Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
4
Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
4
General biosecurity comments
Previously unknown gall midge; reported to be affecting Agapanthus across southern England with findings also in the north of England. Stakeholder led research and awareness will help to determine its distribution and consider suppression options.
About this section
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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