Agapanthus 'Glen Avon'

RHS Plant Profile
African lily 'Glen Avon'

Synonyms

Agapanthus africanus 'Glenavon'
Agapanthus 'Glenavon Blue'
Agapanthus Fragrant Glen

Herbaceous Perennial

A herbaceous perennial up to 1m high with evergreen, broad, strap-shaped green leaves and stiff stems carrying large heads of flowers, the petals sky-blue (paler on mature clumps) with darker central stripes, in late summer; young plants are half-hardy, to H3, while mature clumps are hardier, to H4

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
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

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
Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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 containers in peat-free, loam-based compost, water freely when in growth but sparingly in winter, and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly from spring until flowering; in mild areas, grow outside in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun, and provide winter protection with a dry mulch; for more advice, see Agapanthus cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division between spring and early summer, or in early autumn after plants have finished flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required except cutting back dead flower stems, but allow them to remain until spring, because the seedheads look attractive over winter

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails and agapanthus gall midge but generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus