zoom_in Click to enlarge

Agapanthus

▲ ▼

description Agapanthus Overview

Agapanthus is the sole genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the subfamily Agapanthoideae, entirely native to the southern regions of South Africa. Commonly referred to as lily of the Nile, these perennials grow from fleshy rhizomes and produce thick, strap-shaped, mostly evergreen foliage. The plants are distinguished by their tall, leafless stalks that bear large, spherical clusters, or umbels, of tubular blue, purple, or white flowers during the summer months. Agapanthus is widely cultivated in frost-free and temperate climates for borders and container planting due to its high drought tolerance.

help Agapanthus FAQ

Why is Agapanthus called the lily of the Nile if it is native to South Africa?

The common name is misleading because Agapanthus is entirely native to southern Africa, not the Nile Valley. It belongs to the subfamily Agapanthoideae and grows from fleshy rhizomes.

Does Agapanthus grow from bulbs or rhizomes?

Agapanthus grows from fleshy rhizomes rather than true bulbs. Its strap-shaped leaves arise from the base, while tall stems carry rounded clusters of flowers.

Where is Agapanthus naturally found?

Agapanthus is native to southern regions of South Africa. Garden plants are commonly grown in sunny borders and containers in climates where the rhizomes can survive winter.

What do Agapanthus flowers look like?

Agapanthus produces spherical flower heads on upright stalks above strap-shaped foliage. Depending on the species or cultivar, the flowers are commonly blue, violet, or white.

swap_horiz

Looking for Agapanthus alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward