Blue Agapanthus – Agapanthus africanus (Lily of the Nile, Live Starter Plant)

Blue Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus), better known as Lily of the Nile or African Lily, is one of the most striking summer-flowering perennials you can grow. From a dense clump of arching, strap-like green leaves, tall stiff stalks rise up and burst into rounded clusters of funnel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers that look like bursts of fireworks. As a result, evergreen in mild climates, easy to grow, and pest- and disease-free, the Blue Agapanthus brings bold vertical color to borders, containers, and coastal gardens, and pollinators love it.

Why Grow a Blue Agapanthus?

• Showy blue summer flowers – big, rounded clusters of lavender-blue blooms on tall stalks from early through late summer.
• Evergreen, grassy foliage – lush, strap-like leaves give structure and texture even when the plant is not in bloom.
• Pollinator magnet – the nectar-rich flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and make excellent long-lasting cut flowers.
• Deer & rabbit resistant – critters tend to leave it alone, so it is a low-hassle choice.
• Tough & coastal-friendly – also drought-tolerant once established and moderately salt-tolerant, so it is perfect for seaside and Mediterranean-style gardens.

Looking for more flowering color and border plants? Browse our Flowering Plants and Groundcovers & Border Plants collections.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

• Botanical name: Agapanthus africanus (African lily, Lily of the Nile, Blue African lily)
• Plant type: Evergreen, clumping flowering perennial (grows from fleshy rhizomes)
• Plant family: Amaryllidaceae (the amaryllis family)
• Mature size: about 1–2 feet of foliage with flower stalks reaching 2–3 feet; clumps about 1.5–2 feet wide
• Flowers: Rounded clusters (umbels) of funnel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers
• Bloom season: Summer (into fall in frost-free areas); excellent cut flower
• Notable traits: Pollinator-friendly; deer- and rabbit-resistant; drought- and salt-tolerant
• Cold Hardiness Zones: 8–11 (this evergreen type is tender; grow in pots and overwinter indoors in colder areas)

Blue Agapanthus Care & Growing Guide

Agapanthus is famously easy. Follow these guidelines:

• Sunlight: Full sun for the most flowers, though in hot-climate areas it appreciates a little afternoon shade. Because the stalks lean toward the light, a south-facing spot is ideal.
• Water: Once planted, keep the ground moist for about two weeks, then water weekly. However, if you get about a half-inch of rain in a week, skip that week. It is drought-tolerant once established, so avoid waterlogged soil, which causes root rot.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil. Specifically, Agapanthus africanus prefers slightly acidic conditions, and in containers it blooms best when slightly rootbound.
• Cold Hardiness Zone: 8–11. In colder areas, grow it in a pot and bring it indoors for winter, or mulch heavily for protection.
• Feeding & upkeep: Do not fertilize the first year. After that, use a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote. No pruning is required, so just deadhead spent flower stalks if you like. In addition, divide clumps every few years.

Good to know: agapanthus is toxic if ingested (it contains saponins) and its sap can irritate skin and eyes. Therefore, wear gloves when handling, and keep pets and children from chewing on it.

Ways to Use Blue Agapanthus in the Landscape

This bold, vertical bloomer shines in many sunny settings. Popular uses for the Blue Agapanthus include:

• Bold vertical color in borders, beds, and mass plantings (stunning in large swathes)
• Also edging along paths, drives, and walls
• Accent or focal plant, and a great background plant
• Similarly, containers and patio pots, plus poolside plantings
• Coastal, Mediterranean, cottage, and pollinator gardens, plus cutting gardens

It pairs beautifully with other sun-loving, clumping perennials. For example, gardeners often combine it with the white-flowered White African Iris, grassy Liriope, or other border perennials for contrast in color and texture.

What You’ll Receive

These are live Blue Agapanthus starter plants, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Each plant is less than 12 inches tall when we ship it. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. That way, you can see how yours will look as they grow and bloom. Finally, choose your preferred quantity using the options above.

Also, due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees where necessary to comply.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order, you agree to those terms.

Blue Agapanthus FAQ

Growing & Care Questions

Safety, Hardiness & Shipping Questions