This is a genus of 6 plants in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) native to southern Africa and grows in upright clumps from fleshy rhizomes that produce short, tuberous roots. There are both evergreen and deciduous species. The Genus name is derived from Ancient Greek ἀγάπη ( agápē ) 'love' and ἄνθος ( ánthos ) 'flower'. Plant in full sun to partial shade in sandy-loam well-drained soils. The rhizomes should be planted 1 inch deep and 8 inches apart. If growing in a pot allow the plant to become rootbound as it will bloom best under those conditions. Propagation from seed can take up to 5 years before blooming occurs so division is best. Divided plants may not bloom in the first year. This plant is seldom damaged by deer. Cultivars are available. Tufts of strap-like arching leaves are produced on short stems and are 12-24 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. Flowers are produced in clusters held above the foliage and are tubular or bell-shaped in shades of blue, purple or white with a darker stripe down the center of each petal. Bloom time is summer and in frost-free areas will bloom into fall. Evergreen types should be grown year-round, treating them as houseplants during the winter in areas that receive frost. The deciduous ones can be stored in a cool, dark place in above-freezing temperatures in areas north of zone 7. If leaving the deciduous types in the ground provide mulch for protection and do not plant in an area that stays wet. Use in the border, mass planted or in a container. Use in a cutting or cottage garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Root rot can occur in too wet soils. Some species are listed as invasive in some countries.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Blue; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Rosulate
Leaf shape
Lanceolate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy; Leathery
Leaf value
Long-lasting; Showy
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
12-24 inch strap-like leaves are 1-2 inches wide. Colors range from dark green, blue-green or lighter green. Can be evergreen or deciduous.
Flower color
Blue; Pink; White
Flower value
Good Cut; Long Bloom Season; Showy
Flower form
Umbel
Flower shape
Bell; Tubular
Flower detail
Clusters of bell-shaped or tubular flowers in blues, purple or white. Individual flowers have 6 petals with a darker stripe down the center. Long-lasting and good cut. Blooms in summer.
Poisonous through ingestion and dermatitis. Symptoms may include irritation of skin and eyes from cell sap. Irritation and ulceration of mouth if ingested.