What hardiness zones is Agapanthus suitable for?

Agapanthus is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

How much water does Agapanthus need?

Agapanthus has Low water needs.

Perennials

Agapanthus

Lily of the Nile; African Lily

Amaryllidaceae

Southern Africa — primarily South Africa and Lesotho

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitClumping

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height18–48 inches (45–120 cm)

Width18–36 inches (45–90 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Attracts Hummingbirds

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A genus of clump-forming perennials grown for their bold strap-like foliage and spectacular spherical umbels of tubular flowers atop tall bare stems. Plants typically reach 18–48 inches (45–120 cm) tall in flower and 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) wide depending on species and cultivar. Leaves strap-shaped, dark glossy green, 12–30 inches (30–75 cm) long, in a basal clump. Flower stems erect and leafless, topped with rounded umbels 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across bearing 20–100 tubular flowers in violet-blue, sky blue, or white. Blooms June through August. Evergreen species (including Agapanthus africanus and A. praecox) are hardy in zones 8–10 but tender below; deciduous species and hardier hybrids extend to zones 6–7. All parts toxic to humans and pets. Not native to the Nile despite the common name.

Native Range

Agapanthus species are native to southern Africa — primarily South Africa and Lesotho — growing in coastal scrub, rocky slopes, and stream margins in a Mediterranean-type climate.

Suggested Uses

Used in perennial borders, coastal gardens, and containers at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The bold strap foliage and blue flower umbels are effective in Mediterranean-style, gravel, or drought-tolerant garden designs. Excellent in large containers (5+ gallons / 19+ L), which facilitates bringing tender types indoors for winter. Outstanding cut flower lasting 1–2 weeks in water.

How to Identify

Identified by bold strap-like dark glossy green leaves in a dense basal clump combined with tall bare stems topped with large spherical umbels of tubular violet-blue to white flowers in summer. Distinguished from Allium (ornamental onion) by the absence of onion scent and the strap-like rather than hollow cylindrical leaves. Distinguished from Hosta by the erect strap leaves, summer flower umbels on bare stems, and absence of petioles.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 4'

Width/Spread1'6" - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

violet

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer

Blooms June through August, with individual umbels lasting 2–3 weeks. Deadheading spent umbels can extend bloom by encouraging additional stems. Ornamental seed heads persist through fall and winter if left in place.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Violet-blue, sky blue, or white tubular flowers in large spherical umbels

Foliage Description

Dark glossy green, strap-shaped, 12–30 inches (30–75 cm) long, arising in a basal clump

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Space plants 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. Water regularly during active growth and bloom; reduce watering in fall for deciduous types. Evergreen species are frost-tender — protect or bring indoors in zones below 8. Hardy deciduous hybrid cultivars extend to zones 6–7 with mulch protection. Divide overcrowded clumps every 4–5 years in spring; plants bloom best when slightly root-bound. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring. All parts toxic — wear gloves when handling.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flower stems by cutting to the base to encourage rebloom and prevent self-seeding. Leave ornamental seed heads over winter if desired. Cut back deciduous foliage in fall after frost; remove tatty evergreen foliage in early spring.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans