How To Plant Agapanthus And Agapanthus Care

Image by Tim Green

By Susan Patterson, Master Gardener

The Agapanthus, commonly referred to as the Lily-of-the-Nile or the African lily plant, is an herbaceous perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family that is hardy in USDA Zones 7-11. This South African native beauty displays large masses of striking blue or white flowers atop a tall and slender stalk. Agapanthus plants reach up to 4 feet at maturity and bloom from June through August.

How to Plant Agapanthus

Agapanthus planting is best done during the fall or winter in warm climates. Agapanthus makes a lovely back border or focal plant due to its height, beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers and leaf texture. For a dramatic effect, plant a large grouping throughout a sunny garden spot. Agapanthus flowers can also be used in container plantings in cooler regions.

Growing Agapanthus requires a sunny to partly shady location and regular water. Mulching is helpful to retain moisture with new plants set about 1 to 2 inches apart.

While it is very tolerant to a wide variety of soil conditions, they do enjoy some rich compost or organic matter added during your agapanthus planting.