Agapanthus africanus 'Albus'

RHS Plant Profile
white African lily
white African lily RHS

Synonyms

Agapanthus minor 'Alba'
Agapanthus africanus white-flowered

Herbaceous Perennial

Plants grown as Agapanthus africanus 'Albus' are evergreen perennial with narrow, erect leaves and long-stemmed umbels of white, trumpet-shaped flowers in late summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay 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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a container of moist but well-drained compost and position in full sun. Water during the growing season and liquid feed monthly from spring to flowering. Over the winter, bring container under cover. See agapanthus cultivation for further information.

Propagation

Propagate by division every 3 to 4 years in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

No need to cut down in the autumn, as the seedheads look attractive over winter

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails and agapanthus gall midge

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus