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Plant Profiles / Agapanthus
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Agapanthus
Agapanthus praecox · Lily of the Nile, African lily
A tough clumping perennial with strappy leaves and globes of blue or white flowers on tall stems in summer.
Full sun to part shadeLight
Weekly in potsWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Full sun for flowering.
Water
Weekly in pots
DryWet
Very drought tolerant.
Humidity
Adaptable
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-5–40°C (23–104°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy.
Growth
Moderate, clumping
SlowFast
Grows 40 cm–1 m in flower.
Soil
Adaptable
LeanRich
Most soils.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Light feed in spring.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Toxic if eaten; sap irritates.
About this plant
Agapanthus comes from South Africa and is very hardy. Dwarf and sterile varieties are recommended, as some agapanthus can spread into bushland in parts of Australia.
Best spots
Sunny borders, pots, slopes and mass plantings.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Agapanthus praecox |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Plant type | Evergreen perennial |
| Mature size | 40 cm–1 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Strappy green leaves |
| Flowers | Blue or white globes |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Deadhead
Divide
FloweringDeadheadDivide
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Few flowers | Too much shade or too recently divided. |
| Snails | Use pet-safe bait. |
| Self-seeding | Remove spent flowers. |
| Brown leaves | Normal ageing. |
| Rotting | Wet soil. |
Common questions
Is it invasive?
Some types can be; choose sterile varieties and deadhead.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes.
Is it toxic?
Yes.
When does it flower?
Summer.
