Agapanthus

Overview of Agapanthus

Agapanthus is a genus of six species of fleshy-rooted perennials with a long history of taxonomic confusion. It was originally included in the lily family (Liliaceae), was then moved to the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), moved again into the onion family (Alliaceae), went back to Amaryllidaceae and now resides in its own family, the Agapanthaceae, a sister family to the Amaryllidaceae. Despite the common name of Lily-of-the-Nile, they are not native to the Nile River basin of northeastern Africa; this monotypic family (consisting of just a single genus) is actually endemic to southern Africa. In its native areas, Agapanthus is considered to be both a magical and a medicinal plant, used to treat heart disease, paralysis, coughs, colds, and other ailments, and the leaves are used as bandages (the plant does contain chemicals with anti-inflammatory and other properties). However, the plant’s sap can cause minor irritation or dermatitis in susceptible individuals, and will cause severe pain in the mouth if ingested.

Agapanthus are common landscape plants in mild climates

The first plants were brought back to Europe in 1679 by the early explorers to South Africa. They are grown for the spectacular blue spherical flower clusters in early to mid-summer. There are two species of Agapanthus, along with many hybrids, which are commonly used as landscape plants in mild areas or houseplants in colder climates. The dwarf forms are especially good as container plants, as restricted root growth induces heavier flowering.

This tender herbaceous plant grows in upright clumps from fleshy rhizomes that produce short, tuberous roots. Tufts of leaves are produced on short stems. The arching, strap-like leaves are 12 to 24 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide.

The strap-like leaves remain attractive when the plant is not blooming

The dark, glossy green leaves are attractive even when the plant isn’t flowering (some species have bluish leaves or are lighter green in color). Most of the common types are evergreen, but some are deciduous. The evergreen types shed a few of the older, outer leaves every year and grow new leaves from the growing shoot.

Flowers clusters are borne on sturdy, erect stems held well above the foliage. Each single terminal inflorescence consists of numerous tubular to bell-shaped flowers, each with 6 parts. There are 20 to 100 flowers in each rounded umbel, depending on variety and species. The individual flowers look like a miniature lily flower, often with darker stripes down the middle of each tepal (3 petals and 3 sepals that all look the same). Flower color ranges from deep violet-blue to pale shades of blue, as well as pure white. They bloom primarily in summer, although in frost-free climates they flower over a longer season. The flowers are good cut flowers, and the dried seed heads can be used in arrangements.

The terminal inflorescence opens to reveal the individual flowers. Seeds may follow the flowers if pollinated.

General Care of Agapanthus

Agapanthus makes quite a show in a large container on the patio and can add an exotic touch to any planting scheme. The blue flowers of Agapanthus combine well with lemon-yellow flowers, such as daylily, marigold, or lantana. For a flashier combination, pair them with potted cannas with bright yellow and/or orange flowers. For a more subtle and elegant effect, combine them with silver- or blue-leaved foliage plants, such as dusty miller or honeywort (Cerinthe major). For a tropical look, place them with other containers of palms, banana, and hibiscus.

General Care of Agapanthus

Grow Agapanthus as a houseplant in bright light and average temperatures. Keep well watered when growing, but allow it to dry out in winter. This plant blooms best when grown in full sun and pot-bound, so don’t divide or replant until the plant is pushing out of its pot. Potted plants can be moved to a sheltered spot outdoors after all danger of frost is past in spring, but be careful to acclimate it gradually to full sun to prevent sunburn. Bring inside at the end of the growing season, before frost.

Evergreen types can be treated as houseplants during the winter. The deciduous ones can be stored in a cool (above freezing), dark place. They can be kept in their containers, just allowing them to remain dry until spring, or the tuberous roots can be dug up, the soil removed, and roots wrapped in newspaper for storage.

Agapanthus can be grown as a houseplant in cold climates.

Plant Agapanthus just deep enough to cover the roots, spacing them about 8 inches apart. A single plant will fill a 12 inch pot, or use more in larger pots. Use well-drained potting mix, as they do not tolerate waterlogged soil. During the growing season, containers can be fertilized lightly; overfertilization will result in lanky growth.

Propagating Agapanthus

Agapanthus can be propagated from seed or division. Sow seed in spring. Germination usually takes 1 to 4 months. It will take 3 to 5 years to flower from seed.

Root bound potted plants can be divided every 4 to 5 years. Division is best done after flowering but it can be done any time. Use a very sharp knife to cut the clump into sections, each with roots attached, and pot the sections up. Divisions may not flower until the following year. Commercially selected clones are propagated by tissue culture.

Cultivars of Agapanthus

There are two evergreen species (A. africanus and A. praecox) and four deciduous species (A. campanulatus, A. caulescens, A. coddii and A. inapertus), but few of these are commonly available as ornamentals. Not all suppliers follow the most recent classification, so you may see other species names used. There are numerous hybrid cultivars with a range of characteristics and sizes, hardy in zones 7a to 11b unless noted otherwise.

Because Agapanthus species hybridize readily with each other, especially when grown in close proximity, many of these garden hybrids are of undocumented parentage (not to mention the confused taxonomy of this group). Some include:

‘Albus’ is a white-flowered selection of A. africanus.
‘Baby Blue’ is a dwarf cultivar with bright blue flowers on 12 to 16 inch tall stems.
‘Back in Black’ has very dark blue flowers on dark stems.
‘Blue Triumphator’ is one of the most commonly found deciduous types.
‘Bressingham Blue’ has dark violet blue flowers to 4 feet. Also a white version, ‘Bressingham White’
‘Elaine’ is an upright and vigorous selection of A. africanus, with deep purple-blue flowers on 4 ft. stems.
‘Ellamae’ has bright violet-blue drooping flowers on stems 3-5 feet tall.
Ever Poppin’ Pink (variety ‘DW2020/07’, PPAF) is a new semi-dwarf variety with pink flowers with white highlights on 28 inche tall stems. Long blooming.
Galaxy collection varieties are hardy to zone 6a. The collection includes ‘Galaxy Blue’ (USPP 31,421) grows 36 to 40 inches tall with dark blue flowers that continue into fall; ‘Galaxy White’ (USPP 31,431) which has 5 inch diameter clusters of pure white flowers on 38 to 44 inch tall stems; and ‘Little Galaxy’ (PPAF) grows just 22 to 26 inches tall with light blue flowers.
‘Getty White’ is medium sized with large clusters of white flowers on 2 to 4 foot tall stems.
‘Gold Strike’ (USPP 20,650) grows 1 to 2 feet tall and wide with dark blue buds opening to dark blue flowers with bluish white edges, giving a star pattern. Leaves are grey-green with cream yellow edges.
‘Lilliput’ is a dwarf variety with dark blue flowers on 18 inch tall stems.
‘Headbourne Hybrids’ is a deciduous selection developed in England in the late 1940s, with plants up to 30 inches tall and flowers in various shades of blue. A parent of many varieties.
Midknight Blue® (variety ‘Monmid’) has deep, violet-blue flowers on 3 to 4 foot tall stems.
‘Mooreanus’ is a variety of A. campanulatus ssp. patens with pale blue flowers on 2 foot tall stems.
‘Peter Pan’ is a vigorous dwarf variety with large clusters of mid-blue flowers on 1 to 2 foot tall stems.
‘Queen Anne’ grows 12 inches tall with bright blue flowers on 24 inch tall stems. It is a cultivar of A. africanus.
‘Rancho White’ has white tubular flowers on stems growing to 18 inches tall.
‘Snow Cloud’ has rounded umbels of small, pure white flowers on 4 foot tall stems.
Summer Gold™ (variety ‘HINAG’) is a selection of A. africanus with grey-green leaves with yellow variegation and powder blue flowers on 30 inch tall stems.
‘Storm Cloud’ has intense purple-blue flowers on 4 foot tall stems. It was developed from an open pollinated seedling of ‘Mood Indigo’.
‘Streamline’ features open flowerheads of mid-blue on dwarf plants that grow 12 to 18 inches tall.
‘Tinkerbell’ is a sport of ‘Peter Pan’ with variegated leaves with cream margins. It has pale blue flowers on 18 inch tall stems. As it is slow-growing and does not always bloom reliably, it is often grown for its foliage.

There are both blue and white cultivars.

Author: Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Reviewers: Allen R. Pyle, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension, Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Revised: June 2026