Agapanthus africanus

agapanthus full 
(Photo by Garrett Carter)

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Taxonomy (1)

Classification: Angiosperm, monocot
Family: Agapanthaceae
Common name: Lily of the Nile, African Lily

General Information (1,2,3)

Region of Origin: South Africa
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 9-11
Growth Habit: Herb

  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen
  • Flowering: June-July

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (2)

  • Other: 24 inches long, parallel venation, two ranked

agapanthus leaf 
(Photo by Garrett Carter)

Flower (2)

  • Color: Dark blue
  • Size: 1-2 inches wide
  • Inflorescence type: Umbel, 6-12 inches in size

Fruit

agapanthusfruit

(Photo by Jessica Bartek)

Horticultural Information (1,2,3)

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil type: Well-drained
  • pH: 6.6 to 7.5
  • Maintenance: Easy to care for  
  • Landscape uses: Ground cover, accent plant, garden border
  • Other: Plant in spring; Fertilize mid to late spring

References

1) Agaphanthus africanus. Missouri Botanical Garden. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2013. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/a433/agapanthus-africanus.aspx>.
2) Christman, Steve. "Floridata: Agapanthus spp.." Welcome to Floridata. N.p. 25 June 2007. Web. 3 Apr. 2013. <http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/agap_spp.cfm>.
3) Evans, Erv. "Agapanthus; Lily of the Nile, African lily." North Carolina Cooperative Extension | Empowering People". Providing Solutions. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2013. <http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/bulbs-summer/agapanthus.html>.

Prepared by Garrett Carter as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek