Gardening 101: Agapanthus

African Lily, Agapanthus 

Flowering in summer with showy globes of blue, purple, pink, or white, perennial Agapanthus is native to warm climates in Africa (which explains one common nickname: African lily).

However, Agapanthus is not a lily. Agapanthus has run into some confusion as to its place among plants. Originally placed in the lily family, agapanthus was then shifted to the amaryllis family then moved again to the onion family then–not kidding—back to the amaryllis family before exhaustingly landing in its own family: Agapanthaceae.

There are many cultivars of Agapanthus, and if you live in a warm climate (most varieties are happiest in USDA zones 8 to 10), these evergreen plants are garden workhorses. “Many a country garden has been saved by agapanthus, as they flower year after year regardless of the weather,” writes Holly Kerr Forsyth in The Constant Gardener. “It is impossible to ignore these flamboyant exotics in summer, when they bloom for months in great swaths, most often in a stunning blue.”

Is Agapanthus a good choice for your garden? Read on to learn more:

In our ever-growing complex lives, it’s always relieving and comforting to have a few low-fuss flowers in the garden. Agapanthus is a forgiving container plant as well as a reliable performer in a garden bed.

Agapanthus is typically pest- and disease-resistant (except for notorious snails, which can simply be removed by hand). Out of bloom, Agapanthus has leaves that look like glossy green ribbons which form clumps.

In season, the plant throws out its long sturdy stems bursting with clusters of star-shaped blooms at the tips. As flowers unfurl,  buds are protected by a snug bract that eventually explodes into flower.

Flowering normally occurs in the summer and fall, and I have a client whose clusters of Agapanthus bloom every year exactly on the Fourth of July, ceremoniously imitating festive sparklers.

If the pedestrian green leaves are not exciting enough for you, consider hybrid introductions with variegated leaves with green and either creamy yellow or white stripes down the edge.

Cheat Sheet

• Agapanthus flower globes make excellent cut flowers by themselves or mixed with other summer bloomers.
• Incorporate clusters into cottage gardens, tropical designs, or container.  (Plus, they also work in forgotten areas of the garden or spaces visited by enthusiastic dogs and kids. I have seen deer, however, much on the leaves like they’re visiting a salad bar.)
• The blue or purple flower varieties combine well with yellow or gold flowers such as dahlias, daylily, or echinacea. For a tropical look pair with cannas, banana plants or gingers.
• Flowers attract foraging bees and butterflies.
• Agapanthus species and cultivars come in a variety of sizes, from 18-inch dwarf varieties such as  ‘Peter Pan’ cultivars that reach a towering height of  4 feet.

Keep It Alive

• All Agapanthus grow and spread by fleshy rhizomes, similar to day lilies, and come in colors ranging from pale blue to violet, rich purple, pink, and white.
• Water and fertilize regularly during the active growing season to encourage blooms.
• Grow in full sun and plant deep enough to cover the roots in well draining soil. Tip: Avoid too-rich soil.
• Agapanthus really should be divided every four or so years when clumps become overcrowded (otherwise flowering will decrease). The good news is that the tangled roots are moderately easy to separate with a garden fork and sharp knife to make more plants. Division is best done right after flowering.
• After flowering, remove faded blooms and their entire stems to encourage new growth and to discourage the plant from engaging in seed production.
• Outside of warm or tropical climates, provide some protection during cold spells. For more tender types, consider digging up and bringing bulbs into greenhouses (or turn them into houseplants and situate near a bright window).

See more growing tips in Agapanthus: A Field Guide to Planting, Care & Design in our curated guides to Perennials 101 and Bulbs & Tubers 101.