Agapanthus africanus
Water Needs
low
Groundcover; bulb
Dwarf Agapanthus
35 x 35 cm
Size
Light Conditions
sun
Frost
light; moderate; hardy
Flowers
blue; white; November - March; spring, summer; autumn
Garden Situation
sun; windy and exposed; retaining walls; green walls; roof gardens; slope bank; paving; container; sandy soils; dry soils; narrow spaces; wildlife bees sunbirds
Habitat
grassland; urban streets; fynbos
Region
Western Cape
Rain Season
winter; summer
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Description
This perennial is the smaller cousin to the world-famous Agapanthus praecox (they feature in countless American and Australian TV shows,) and is an outstanding water-wise perennial with roots that are especially good at holding the soil on slopes. The Dwarf Agapanthus thrives in full sun and partial shade, but just make sure the soil drains freely – and, for those with acid soils, this perennial is a good choice. Do not overwater, particularly in the summer rainfall region. There are numerous hybrids available, but you cannot go wrong with a mix of the original blue and white species. Flowering season is from December to February. This plant battles with a certain caterpillar and with rot in the humid, wet summers of the east of the country. 35 x 35 cm. A. africanus, according to SANBI, was the first of the genus to be collected in South Africa; first described in 1679, taxonomists initially placed this species within the Hyacinth family.