Agapanthus Arctic Star (African Lily)
Noted for its hardiness and vigorous growth, Agapanthus ‘Arctic Star’ (African Lily) is a clump-forming perennial boasting large rounded clusters of trumpet-shaped, pure white flowers on sturdy, upright stalks atop beautiful, semi-evergreen, gray-green, strap-shaped leaves. Brightening up the garden for weeks, this elegant Agapanthus cultivar does not fade as it matures and its foliage mound remains attractive, even when the plant is not in bloom.
Noted for its hardiness and vigorous growth, Agapanthus 'Arctic Star' (African Lily) is a clump-forming perennial boasting large rounded clusters of trumpet-shaped, pure white flowers on sturdy, upright stalks atop beautiful, semi-evergreen, gray-green, strap-shaped leaves. Brightening up the garden for weeks, this elegant Agapanthus cultivar does not fade as it matures and its foliage mound remains attractive, even when the plant is not in bloom. Remarkably resilient, 'Arctic Star' is one of the hardiest white Agapanthus and can survive temperatures well below freezing. It is also one of the earliest to bloom (end of June or early July).
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Bloom time is variable, depending on the local climate and water availability, but this plant usually blooms from mid to late summer.
- Easy to grow, pest and disease free, this African Lily is quite vigorous and grows up to 24-30 in. high (60-75 cm) from bulb-like rhizomes.
- Thrives in full sun in fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. In a hot climate area, Agapanthus will do better in partial shade. Bear in mind that most varieties will lean toward the sun, which makes a south-facing border the best location. Do not allow plants to dry out except when dormant.
- Spectacular when planted in great swathes, this Agapanthus fits most garden settings or mixed borders, makes a fantastic accent plant in containers, and has excellent cut flowers! A great choice for coastal areas as African Lilies cope well with windy and salty air.
- Deer and rabbit resistant, it attracts butterflies, bees, and birds.
- In late fall remove or tidy up any remaining leaves, but seedheads can be left as they look attractive over winter.
- Propagate by division every three to four years in spring.
- Agapanthus is native to Southern Africa.
- African Lilies are poisonous and should not be consumed by humans and pets.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8 – 11 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 12 |
Climate Zones | 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Agapanthus – African Lilies |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late) |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12″ – 18″ (30cm – 45cm) |
Depth | 2" (5cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |