Agapanthus Flowers
Agapanthus (African lily, Lily of the Nile) is a clump-forming perennial from southern Africa, prized for its tall umbels of blue, violet, or white trumpet flowers in summer. It thrives in warm, sunny sites and performs well in borders and containers, offering architectural, long-lasting blooms for gardens and cut arrangements.
Occasions & recipients
Find flowers by occasion
Best occasions
- Weddings
- Anniversaries
- New baby/Christening
- Housewarming
- Graduation/Congratulations
Suitable for
- Romantic partner or spouse
- New parents
- Close friends
- Colleagues/clients (professional)
- Hosts/housewarming recipients
Color taboos
- All-white bouquets are often associated with mourning/funerals in many East Asian contexts—avoid for festive events unless requested.
- Purple/violet-dominant arrangements can signify mourning in Brazil and parts of Latin America—use cautiously for celebrations.
- Somber, all-white-and-blue palettes may read as sympathy tones in Western contexts—add warm accents for birthdays or weddings.
Card messages
At a glance
Key details
Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.
Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Botanical info
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Plantae; Clade: Angiosperms; Order: Asparagales; Family: Amaryllidaceae (subfamily Agapanthoideae); Genus: Agapanthus.
Distribution
Native to southern Africa (especially the Cape region of South Africa); widely cultivated and naturalized in Mediterranean-climate regions worldwide, including the Mediterranean Basin, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the Pacific coast of the USA.
Conservation
Not globally threatened in cultivation; several species are common. Note: Some Agapanthus are invasive/noxious in parts of New Zealand, Australia, and coastal California—deadhead spent heads to limit self-seeding and spread.
Gifting & etiquette
Presentation etiquette
Trim stems and change water every 2–3 days; avoid sap contact by wearing gloves when recutting. Use a tall, simple vase or a hand-tied bouquet to emphasize the vertical lines. Pair harmoniously with roses, eucalyptus, or lilies; avoid overwhelming with many focal blooms. For festive events, balance cool blue/white tones with warmer accents to avoid a sympathy look. Check pet safety with recipients.
Ideal delivery time
Deliver in the morning 1–2 days before the event, when only a few florets have opened (buds will continue to open in the vase) for peak display.
Health & risk
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested (saponins); may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans and pets. Sap is an irritant that can cause skin and eye irritation—handle with care.
Allergenicity
Low airborne pollen overall; sap/latex can cause contact dermatitis—handle fresh cuts with gloves. Sensitive individuals may experience mild irritation.
Meaning & taboos
Symbolism & color
From the Greek agape (love) and anthos (flower), Agapanthus traditionally conveys love, beauty, fertility, and protective good luck—an elegant emblem of affection and auspicious new beginnings.
Growing & tools
Care & gear
Growing tips
Full sun to light shade; well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Water regularly in active growth, letting the topsoil dry slightly between waterings; drought-tolerant once established. Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Deadhead to prolong bloom and curb self-seeding; divide congested clumps every 3–5 years. Hardy roughly in USDA Zones 8–11 (deciduous forms can be mulched in Zone 7); in colder climates, grow in containers and overwinter frost-free.
Recommended tools
- Hand trowel
- Pruning snips/secateurs
- Garden fork or spade (for division)
- Watering can or hose with rose
- Gardening gloves (sap irritant)
Symbolizes
- Love
- Beauty
- Fertility
- Protection
- Good luck/prosperity