African lily (Agapanthus africanus)
Discover Agapanthus africanus, the evergreen African lily, prized for its summer blue flower umbels on strict stalks in zones 8-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The African lily, scientifically known as Agapanthus africanus, is a standout tropical perennial celebrated for its architectural foliage and spectacular summer blooms. Its primary value lies in the dense, rounded clusters of vivid blue, funnel-shaped flowers held high above the neat mound of strap-like leaves. This evergreen nature ensures visual interest even when the plant is not flowering.
As a tender perennial, Agapanthus africanus thrives when grown in the ground only in warm regions (USDA Zones 8-10). In cooler climates, it behaves as an excellent container specimen, allowing gardeners to showcase the bloom quality of this magnificent species. The genus name originates from the Greek words for love and flower, perfectly describing the impact of a mature stand of African lily.
The plant produces flowers atop stiff, leafless stalks, or scapes, typically rising 18 to 24 inches high. The overall effect is clean, linear, and dramatically vertical, providing excellent contrast against softer, mounding perennials or within structured patio arrangements. Gardeners appreciate the relatively low pest issues associated with Agapanthus africanus.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Native Range: South Africa
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Blue, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Agapanthus africanus should occur when frost danger has passed in spring, allowing the fleshy rhizomes time to establish before winter or the next container move. If planting directly into the landscape in acceptable zones (8-10), ensure the soil provides good drainage. For container culture, which is highly recommended outside these zones, plant the rhizome approximately 1/2 inch below the soil surface into a well-draining potting mix.
Care requires keeping the container soil consistently moist throughout the active growing season of spring and summer. Moderate fertilization during this period supports robust flowering. Importantly, African lily plants often perform best when their roots become pot-bound, so avoid excessively large containers, which can delay blooming. Position containers where they receive bright light but benefit from afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Seasonal management is critical for its survival outside Zone 8. Prior to the first expected frost in the fall, move all containers into a bright, frost-free environment, such as a cool greenhouse or basement. During this overwintering period, drastically reduce watering; only apply enough moisture to prevent the leaves from wilting or drying out. Return the Agapanthus africanus display outdoors once all danger of frost has passed in the spring.
Landscape Uses
Containers and pots are the primary application for Agapanthus africanus in many gardening regions, allowing this tender perennial to be transported indoors for winter protection. When massed in large containers, the upright flower stalks create stunning vertical accents on patios or entryways. Even when not in bloom, the dense, grass-like foliage of the African lily provides valuable textural contrast.
For gardeners in suitable climates (Zones 8-10), this plant works beautifully along borders or as architectural groupings in mixed perennial beds. The blue or white flower umbels pair exceptionally well with silver foliage plants, deep purple Salvias, or golden coreopsis where a Mediterranean or coastal aesthetic is desired. Furthermore, the sturdy stems make the blooms excellent for use as fresh cut flowers indoors.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Agapanthus africanus, commonly called lily-of-the-Nile, is native to South Africa (not the Nile River as the misleading common name suggests). It is an evergreen species that produces rounded clusters (umbels) of blue, funnel-shaped flowers atop stiff, upright, leafless, fleshy stalks (scapes) typically rising 18-24” tall above a dense mound of basal narrow, strap-shaped, linear, grass-like leaves. Genus name comes from the Greek words agape meaning love and anthos meaning flower.
Tolerances
No data provided.
Potential Problems
Agapanthus africanus generally exhibits good resistance to serious insect or disease problems, making it a relatively low-risk addition to the garden or patio. If grown indoors or under stressful conditions, watch for common houseplant issues. Ensuring excellent drainage is the primary management technique against root rot, especially during overwintering when water needs are minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is African lily suitable for?
The African lily, Agapanthus africanus, is hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10 when planted directly in the ground.
How large does Agapanthus africanus grow?
This species typically reaches a height between 1.5 to 2 feet tall, with a spread of 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
When does African lily bloom?
You can expect the distinctive blue or white blooms of the African lily to appear during the summer months, specifically from June to July.
What sun exposure does Agapanthus africanus need?
This plant performs best when provided with full sun exposure, though it will tolerate partial shade, particularly afternoon shade when grown in very hot climates.
Conclusion
The African lily offers reliable, architectural structure and beautiful summer color, making it a prized feature for borders and, crucially, containers where frost is a concern. Maximizing the summer performance of Agapanthus africanus relies on attentive watering during the growing season and meticulous winter protection outside of Zones 8-10. Check your local hardiness zone now to determine the best strategy for incorporating this elegant bloomer into your landscape plans.
Companion Planting
When grouping Agapanthus africanus in the landscape or in mixed containers, select companions that share similar cultural needs regarding sun and water. Good partners include drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs like Lavender (Lavandula) or Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), which thrive in full sun and appreciate good drainage similar to this bulb. For color contrast in the garden border, pair the blue flowers with hot-colored annuals or perennials, such as vibrant orange Marigolds or deep red Geraniums, to make the cool flower tones truly pop.
Design Ideas
The strong verticality of the flower stalks on Agapanthus africanus makes it an ideal plant for defining pathways or punctuating the corners of outdoor rooms. Consider planting them in simple terracotta pots flanking an entryway; the uniformity of the foliage creates a formal, structured look year-round. In modern garden designs, use groups of three or five large pots to create repeating focal points that draw the eye upward—this use effectively showcases the plant both when flowering and when dormant.
