Agapanthus caulescens subsp. angustifolius

RHS Plant Profile
narrow-leaved African lily

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narrow-leaved African lily RHS

Synonyms

Agapanthus angustifolia

Herbaceous Perennial
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Has stiffly erect to sub-erect, greyish, narrow (3cm or less wide) leaves, and rather small flowers with the perianth segments not flared or recurved

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Correct
Plant Range
S Africa Swaziland

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or grow in a container. In cold areas, cover with dry mulch such as bark during the winter months. See agapanthus cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division every 3 to 4 years in spring. Propagate by seed - sow seeds in spring or as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove winter damaged foliage in spring

Pests

May be susceptible to agapanthus gall midge, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus