Agapanthus umbellatus
"African lily"
Orders placed before 1 March 2025
You can expect your order in February/March 2025
Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
You can expect your order in March/April 2025
Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days
UK orders over £50
Free shipping
UK orders under £50
£4.99
Northern Ireland orders under £50
£5.99
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Description
Cool down those hot summer days with a wash of chilled out blue Agapanthus umbellatus, also known as the African lily or Lily of the Nile. A real jewel of the summer garden, it bursts into bloom from midsummer onwards with dozens of tiny lavender blue trumpets on short spikes, gathered into a large ball of colour. These dreamy blue Agapanthus flowerheads are held on upright stems at a useful mid-height, perfect for planting in borders with smaller plants in front and taller plants behind.
These drought tolerant plants enjoy a hot, sunny position, African lilies don't mind being a bit cramped and can cope with a poor, free-drianing soil, so they'll also be perfectly happy in a narrow bed along a wall and will grow in patio containers for years. Each tiny trumpet in this garden orchestra is finely detailed and delicate, it’s six lavender petals creating dainty beauty around the centre from which the lavender stamens extend. All in all, the intricate flowerheads of Agapanthus umbellatus (syn. Agapanthus africanus) intricate flowerheads can reach around 20cm in size, making it a compelling feature from afar as well as up close!
Key features
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Good for cutting
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Comes back every year
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Attractive to wildlife
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Loved by pollinators
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Thrives well in full sun
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In peat-free compost
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Low maintenance
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Drought tolerant
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Fully hardy
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May need winter cover
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Rodent resistant
Specs & details
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Botanical name
Agapanthus umbellatus
syn. Agapanthus africanus -
Flower colour
Blue
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Plant size
1
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Established height
70cm-1m
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Established spread
50-70cm
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Plant spacing
10 plants per m2
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Leaf colour
Green
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Habit
Clump-forming
Upright -
Life cycle
Perennial
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Hardiness
Fully hardy
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Years to establish
3-4 years
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Sunlight
Full sun
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Position
Sheltered
Exposed -
Suitable for
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Coastal gardens
Exotic gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens -
Soil acidity
Any
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Soil moisture
Free draining
Dry -
Soil type
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost -
Growing skill
Easy to grow
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Scented
No
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Pollinator-friendly
Yes
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Mouse resistant
Yes
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Rabbit resistant
Yes
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Deer resistant
Yes
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Toxicity
No report
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Planting
- Flowering
Useful information
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Soak your Agapanthus umbellatus roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting.
Plant your "African lily" bare roots into temporary pots with a multipurpose compost in spring and grow-on in a sheltered spot outdoors.
Choose a pot which comfortably fits the bare roots. Some have a noticeable crown which should be just below the soil surface with any top growth exposed.
Plant out into borders or permanent containers in late spring or early summer once in full growth. Choose a position in sun or shade depending on the variety.
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Orders placed before 1 March 2025
You can expect your order in Feb/March 2025Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
You can expect your order in April 2025Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days
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