Agapanthus inapertus

RHS Plant Profile
closed African lily
closed African lily RHS

Synonyms

Agapanthus weillighii
Agapanthus weilloghii hort.

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial 90-150cm or more high with deciduous, rather upright, strap-shaped leaves, up to 70cm long and 2-3cm across, and stiff, upright stems topped by umbels, 10-15cm across, of hanging flowers, 2.5-4cm long, in late summer and early autumn; the flowers are in shades of blue, often purplish and sometimes very dark in colour, and are tubular with the segments barely open at the mouth

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–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
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
South Africa, Mozambique

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun, and in colder areas provide winter protection with a loose mulch; in containers, grow 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; for more advice, see Agapanthus cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown at 13-15°C when ripe or in spring, and keep the seedlings in a frame for the first winter in frost-prone climates, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

No pruning required: allow flowering stems to remain, 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