What hardiness zones is Agapanthus cultivars suitable for?

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

What are the sun requirements for Agapanthus cultivars?

Agapanthus cultivars requires Full Sun.

How much water does Agapanthus cultivars need?

Agapanthus cultivars has Medium water needs.

Perennials

Agapanthus cultivars

Agapanthus

AmaryllidaceaeSouth Africa

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitClumping

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height18-48 inches (45-120 cm)

Width18-24 inches (45-60 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

Agapanthus cultivars are clump-forming perennials producing strap-shaped, arching basal leaves 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long and rounded flower umbels on erect, leafless stalks. Overall height ranges from 18 to 48 inches (45–120 cm) depending on cultivar, with clumps 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Foliage is medium to dark green, semi-evergreen in zones 8–10 and herbaceous (dying to the ground) in zones 7 and colder. Flower umbels are spherical to hemispherical, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across, composed of 20–100 individual tubular flowers. Colors range from deep blue and violet to white across cultivars. Bloom occurs June through August, with individual umbels lasting 2–3 weeks. Fleshy, tuberous roots form dense mats that flower most prolifically when slightly crowded. Deciduous types are generally hardier than evergreen types, surviving to zone 6 with winter mulch, while evergreen types are reliable only in zones 8–10. Plants establish slowly, often flowering sparsely in the first 1–2 years after planting or division. Crown rot develops in waterlogged winter soils, particularly in heavy clay. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic if ingested. Sap may cause skin irritation on contact.

Native Range

The genus Agapanthus is native to South Africa, with species distributed from the Western Cape north through KwaZulu-Natal and into Mozambique. Wild populations grow in a range of habitats from coastal grasslands to montane stream banks at sea level to 6,500 feet (2,000 m) elevation.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in perennial borders, container gardens, and coastal landscapes at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Container culture in 5-gallon (19 L) or larger pots extends the usable range into zones 5–6 with winter storage. Plants are not suited to waterlogged soils or deeply shaded sites.

How to Identify

Identified by clumps of strap-shaped, arching basal leaves 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long and rounded flower umbels 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across on erect, leafless stalks. Flowers are tubular, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, in shades of blue, violet, or white. Fleshy, tuberous root systems distinguish Agapanthus from superficially similar genera such as Allium (which has bulbs) and Tulbaghia (which has a garlic-like odor when crushed).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 4'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

purple

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Flowers June through August in zones 7–10. Individual umbels last 2–3 weeks; total bloom period extends 4–6 weeks when multiple stalks emerge in succession. In zone 10, bloom may begin in May. Flower production is reduced in the first 1–2 years after planting and increases as clumps become established and slightly root-bound.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Blue, violet, or white depending on cultivar

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green, strap-shaped, arching

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 6-10 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 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish the root system. Established plants tolerate moderate drought once roots are developed but flower production decreases during prolonged dry periods. Crown rot develops in waterlogged winter soils; well-drained sites are essential, particularly in zones 7–8 where winter moisture is high. In zones 6–7, apply 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) of winter mulch over the crown after the first hard frost. Container-grown plants require overwintering in a frost-free location in zones below 7. Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Divide congested clumps every 4–5 years in spring; flowering may be reduced for 1–2 years after division.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stalks at the base after bloom. Cut back dead or damaged foliage in early spring (March–April) before new growth emerges. In mild climates where foliage is semi-evergreen, remove only damaged or yellowed leaves. No other pruning is required.

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