Agapanthus
Agapanthus africanus
Also called African lily and Lily of the Nile
Garden plant · PerennialsIt flowers BEST when the roots are crammed, so leave it pot-bound and resist splitting it. A newly divided clump often sulks for two years without a single flower.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 6 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun
- Feed
- Once a fortnight
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Half-hardy — a light frost RHS H3, to -5°C
- Size
- 0.9 m tall · 0.4 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- South Africa
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.