Agapanthus caulescens
stalked African lily
A deciduous species and reasonably hardy. The leaves are produced on a distinct stem, the basal sheathing leaves sometimes very short giving this part of the plant a leek-like appearance. Foliage is 25-60cm long, with flower stems 60-180cm. The number of flowers in a flowerhead is variable; the flowers are usually dark violet-blue, paler towards the base and with darker midribs; often widely flared
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Blue | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or grow in a container. In cold areas, mulch well overwinter. See Agapanthus cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division every 3 to 4 years in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No need to cut down 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
Get involved
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