The short answer

Quick Answer

Agapanthus (African Lily) thrives in full sun on chalky, sandy, loamy soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 60cm to 1m tall in flower, 40cm spread. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -5°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: No pruning needed. Remove spent flower stems at the base

How: Pull or cut spent stems at ground level

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Southern Africa

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Brought to Europe in the 1600s. Became a Victorian favourite

Folklore: In South Africa, agapanthus is sometimes planted around homes as a protective plant

Fun fact: The name agapanthus comes from Greek: agape meaning love, and anthos meaning flower. So it is literally the flower of love

Historical medicinal uses: Used in traditional South African medicine. Some parts are toxic. Not for self-use

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees and butterflies. Each flower head has dozens of small flowers [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Provides mid-summer nectar[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowering July to September[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs with salvias, stipa grasses, helenium and crocosmia

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Root rot in wet soils, virus causing leaf streaking

Invasive note: Not invasive. Clumps enlarge slowly

CGM care note

Agapanthus flower best when slightly congested. We do not divide for at least 5 years. A potash feed from May is the single biggest thing that improves flowering.

  • Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
  • Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda)
  • Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla, H. paniculata, H. arborescens)
  • Clematis (Clematis species and hybrids)

CGM guides mentioning Agapanthus (African Lily)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Agapanthus (African Lily) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Agapanthus (African Lily)

How Agapanthus (African Lily) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Lavender, attracts pollinators, bees and butterflies will move between them, increasing fruit set on nearby crops
  • Salvia (Perennial Sage), attracts pollinators, bees and butterflies will move between them, increasing fruit set on nearby crops
  • Alliums (Ornamental Onions), attracts pollinators, bees and butterflies will move between them, increasing fruit set on nearby crops
  • Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan), attracts pollinators, bees and butterflies will move between them, increasing fruit set on nearby crops
  • Echinacea (Coneflower), attracts pollinators, bees and butterflies will move between them, increasing fruit set on nearby crops
  • Verbena bonariensis, attracts pollinators, bees and butterflies will move between them, increasing fruit set on nearby crops

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Agapanthus (African Lily).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Agapanthus (African Lily) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Agapanthus (African Lily) (Agapanthus africanus and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Agapanthus (African Lily). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Agapanthus africanus and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Amaryllidaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Meerow AW, Snijman DA (2006). The never-ending story of Amaryllidaceae taxonomy. Aliso, 22, 559-568.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Amaryllidaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, seasonal_highlight, soil_type.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Agapanthus (African Lily). The pollinator description above ("Bees and butterflies. Each flower head has dozens of small flowers") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides mid-summer nectar") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Flowering July to September".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees and butterflies. Each flower head has dozens of small flowers"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Agapanthus (African Lily)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides mid-summer nectar") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Agapanthus (African Lily). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Agapanthus (African Lily)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Amaryllidaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Agapanthus (African Lily). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Agapanthus (African Lily). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Agapanthus (African Lily). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Agapanthus (African Lily). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Agapanthus (African Lily). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Agapanthus (African Lily). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Agapanthus (African Lily). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Agapanthus (African Lily) performs well locally

Towns where Agapanthus (African Lily) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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