Agapanthus africanus

Agapanthus africanus flower (25/07/2011, London)

Position: Full sun

Soil: Well drained soil

Flowering period: Summer

Eventual Height: 1m

Eventual Spread: 50cm

Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Agapanthus africanus is an evergreen perennial with a clump forming habit. Its foliage is broad and dark green, composed of basal, linear leaves with simple margin. Its inflorescence, held on upright stems is in the form of rounded umbels composed of deep blue, tubular, hermaphroditic flowers.

Agapanthus africanus, commonly known as the African Lily is native to South Africa in the region from the Cape Peninsula to Swellendam. It was introduced into Europe at the end of the 17th century.

The etymological root of the binomial name Agapanthus is derived from the Greek agap meaning ‘love’ and anthos meaning ‘flower’. Africanus derived from the Latin word referring to its origins on the African continent.

Agapanthus africanus (25/07/2011, London)

Agapanthus africanus may be useful to the landscape architect as a herbaceous perennial in maritime locations. A. africanus is drought tolerant for short periods of time once established.

The Royal Horticultural Society gave Agapanthus africanus their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Agapanthus africanus will tolerate almost any soil conditions; it will be happy at neutral, alkaline or acid pH levels, in loam, sand, chalk or clay based soils in any south, east or west facing sheltered aspect.

Ecologically, Agapanthus africanus will attract many species of pollinating insects such as honey bees and butterflies.