Agapanthus Orientalis 'Snowball'

African Lily / Lily of the Nile

Botanical Name: Agapanthus orientalis ‘Snowball’
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Origin: South Africa (garden cultivar)
Plant Type: Evergreen clump-forming perennial (strappy foliage)

Overview

A refined, evergreen agapanthus with dense, arching foliage and large rounded heads of crisp white blooms. Agapanthus orientalis ‘Snowball’ is a strong grower well-suited to Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate—flourishing in full sun, heat, and coastal conditions. Its long summer flowering season, tidy form, and drought tolerance make it a versatile choice for borders, verges, and containers throughout South Australia.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–0.8 m H × 0.5–0.7 m W (foliage); flower stems to 1.0 m
• Growth Rate: 20–35 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen, glossy mid-green strappy leaves forming a neat, rounded clump
• Flowers: Rounded umbels of pure white florets on tall stems, mainly late spring through summer (with a second flush in early autumn)
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen year-round with showy white blooms through summer; adds brightness and contrast to mixed plantings and borders
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich blooms attract bees and other pollinators; clumping habit provides light cover for small garden fauna
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established, heat and wind tolerant, light–moderate frost, handles reflected heat and coastal exposure (second-line coastal suitable)
• Planting Density: Border/edging: 3 per metre (≈ 30–40 cm centres); Mass planting: 30–50 cm apart for full coverage; Containers: 25–35 cm pots (repot or divide as clumps mature)
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs; sap may irritate sensitive pets—discourage chewing

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (heaviest flowering in full sun)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; enrich with organic matter and mulch to keep roots cool
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); rarely in winter—only if dry
• Maintenance: Remove spent flower stems at the base to encourage new blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Divide mature clumps every 3–4 years in late winter or early spring. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring for best growth and flowering
• Lifespan: 15–25+ years (long-lived perennial easily renewed by division)
• Climate Zones: Ideal for temperate and Mediterranean zones across South Australia—thrives on the Adelaide Plains, Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, and second-line coastal regions
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline; adaptable to most well-drained Adelaide soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Mass plant for bold white summer colour in borders and verges
• Perfect for driveways, pathways, and formal edging
• Use in containers for patios and entrances
• Combine with grasses, Lomandra, or silver-foliage plants for striking contrast
• Suited to coastal, cottage, and Mediterranean landscapes

Why You Will Love It

A hardy, classic white agapanthus that delivers months of elegant blooms with minimal maintenance. Agapanthus orientalis ‘Snowball’ thrives in Adelaide’s heat and dry summers, offering lasting structure, clean foliage, and water-wise reliability for South Australian gardens.