The common names lily-of-the-Nile and African lily are often applied to agapanthus. Both are misleading. They are neither lilies nor grow naturally on the banks of the Nile. Although they have become naturalised in many parts of the world. They are rhizomatous plants that are native to Southern Africa. Deciduous (the more hardy) and evergreen forms now abound in cultivation and many beautiful named cultivars are now available. Flowers ranging from white, through to blue and deep purple. Many grow in successfully in our dry garden, but will enjoy extra moisture when in growth, but not over winter when dormant.
A rich source of nectar and pollen for bumblebees and honeybees, in particular at the height of the flowering season. The blue-flowered forms are probably most attractive to wildlife. Being drought-tolerant they do not normally require watering; care should be taken in southerly coastal regions where they may escape onto, and start to dominate, natural sand dune habitats.