What hardiness zones is Agapanthus africanus suitable for?

Agapanthus africanus is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9, 10, 11.

What are the sun requirements for Agapanthus africanus?

Agapanthus africanus requires Full Sun.

How much water does Agapanthus africanus need?

Agapanthus africanus has Medium water needs.

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Perennials

Agapanthus africanus

lily of the Nile

AmaryllidaceaeWestern Cape Province, South Africa

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitClumping

FoliageEvergreen

Height3–4 feet (90–120 cm) in bloom

Width1.5–2 feet (45–60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

9 - 11

Zone 9

Zone 10

Zone 11

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

Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A clump-forming evergreen perennial reaching 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall in foliage, with flowering stems rising to 36–48 inches (90–120 cm). Leaves are strap-shaped, leathery, and dark green, 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long and approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, arranged in basal clumps. In summer, sturdy scapes emerge bearing spherical umbels 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across, each composed of 20–100 tubular flowers in shades of pale to deep blue-violet, occasionally white. Flowers are funnel-shaped, approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) long. Native to rocky sandstone slopes of the Western Cape, South Africa, this species is more cold-sensitive than A. praecox and performs best in USDA zones 9–11. It tolerates mild frost only briefly. Performance declines in cold winters below 28°F (-2°C). Plants bloom most freely when somewhat pot-bound and root-restricted. Lower leaves may yellow and die back in dry periods. Self-seeding can occur in mild climates but is less aggressive than related species.

Native Range

Native to the Western Cape Province of South Africa, growing on rocky sandstone slopes and cliffs at low to moderate elevations. It occurs in fynbos and related vegetation types with well-drained, slightly acidic soils.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in borders in USDA zones 9–11 at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Widely grown in containers 10–15 gallons (38–57 L) or larger, which allows overwintering indoors in colder climates. Used in Mediterranean-style and coastal gardens where summer drought and mild winters occur.

How to Identify

Identified by strap-shaped, leathery, dark green evergreen leaves 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long arranged in basal clumps. Spherical flower umbels 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across appear on upright scapes in summer, bearing 20–100 tubular blue to blue-violet flowers. Distinguished from A. praecox by smaller stature and greater cold sensitivity.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

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 in zones 9–11. In cooler coastal climates, bloom may extend into September. Individual umbels persist for 2–3 weeks; total bloom period lasts approximately 6–8 weeks. Flower production is reduced when plants are over-potted or subjected to prolonged drought during bud development.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pale to deep blue-violet, occasionally white

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 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 Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Water regularly during the growing season; established plants tolerate short dry spells but sustained drought reduces bloom. In zones 8 and colder, grow in containers and overwinter indoors above 28°F (-2°C). Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and midsummer. Divide clumps every 4–6 years when flowering decreases, or when roots fill the container completely. Remove spent flower stems at the base after bloom to maintain appearance.

Pruning

Remove spent flower scapes at the base once blooming is complete to prevent seed formation and maintain plant appearance. Cut back any yellowed or damaged leaves at the base throughout the growing season. Do not cut back foliage in fall; evergreen leaves persist through winter in frost-free climates.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets