Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus 'Adelaide'

RHS Plant Profile
African lily 'Adelaide'
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming, evergreen, herbaceous perennial producing narrow, strap-shaped green foliage to a height of around 30cm (12in) and a spread of around 30cm (12in). Loosely hemispherical heads of pale blue, funnel-shaped flowers are produced in late summer on straight, green stems, from 40-60cm (16-24in) high. As an evergreen species, it is more frost tender than the deciduous types and requires protection from frost in winter, especially when grown in colder areas

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Al parts of the plant are harmful if eaten
Genus
Agapanthus are clump-forming perennials with narrowly strap-shaped leaves, evergreen in some species, and erect stems bearing umbels of funnel-shaped blue or white flowers
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In cold areas provide winter protection, or if grown in containers, move them into a frost-free position to overwinter. See agapanthus cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagated by division or propagate by seed at 13-15°C when ripe or in spring. Being a cultivar, seedlings may not come true to the parent plant

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required other than to remove any dead foliage or spent flower heads

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails and agapanthus gall midge

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus