Agapanthus praecox subsp. minimus

RHS Plant Profile

dwarf African lily

Synonyms

Agapanthus africanus 'Minimus'
Agapanthus comptonii subsp. longitubus
Agapanthus comptonii
Agapanthus longispathus
Agapanthus africanus subsp. minimus
Agapanthus comptonii subsp. comptonii

Herbaceous Perennial

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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

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

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): 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: Correct

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.

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