Agapanthus africanus subsp. africanus Seeds - South African Indigenous Perennial Bulb - New

Agapanthus is a genus of herbaceous perennial bulbs that mostly bloom in summer. Agapanthus is collectively commonly known as "Lily of the Nile", but it is not a lily and all of the species are indigenous to South Africa from the Cape to the Limpopo River. Species boundaries are not clear in the genus, and in spite of having been intensively studied, the number of species recognized by different authorities varies from 6 to 10. The type species for the genus is Agapanthus africanus. A great many hybrids and cultivars have been produced and they are cultivated throughout warm areas of the world. Agapanthus can be grown within plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. In lower-numbered zones, the bulbs should be placed deeper in the soil and mulched well in autumn. Agapanthus can be propagated by dividing the bulbs or by seeds. The seeds of most varieties are fertile.

Agapanthus is one of South Africa’s best known garden plants and is grown in most countries in the world. Their strap-like leaves and striking blue or white flowers make them favorites in plant borders as well as in containers.

Agapanthus africanus subsp. africanus is endemic to the Western Cape Province, which is a winter rainfall area. The plants grow from the Cape Peninsula to Swellendam, from sea level up to 1000 meters, mainly in mountainous terrain in acidic sandy soil. They often grow between rocks and even in depressions on sheets of sandstone rock. The plants will not tolerate freezing weather for any length of time.