Agapanthus Orientalis 'Perpetual Peace'

African Lily / Lily of the Nile

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

Overview

A compact, evergreen agapanthus with neat, strappy foliage and pure-white flower umbels over an exceptionally long season—from late spring right through summer and into autumn (often October–May in Australia). Tough, low-maintenance and ideal for edging, borders, mass planting and pots. Sterile/very low seed set helps reduce self-seeding.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.4–0.6 m H × 0.5–0.6 m W (foliage); flower stems to 0.6–0.8 m.
• Growth Rate: 15-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Evergreen, mid-green strappy leaves in a tidy clump
• Flowers: Rounded heads of clear white florets, late spring–autumn; sterile/rarely viable seed.
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure + very long summer–autumn bloom window
• Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees and other pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established, heat and wind tolerant, light–moderate frost, second-line coastal
• Planting Density: Border/edging: 3 per metre (≈ 30–40 cm centres); Mass planting: 30–50 cm apart; Containers: 25–35 cm pots (size up as clumps fill)
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs; however, avoid ingestion of sap, which may cause mild irritation in sensitive pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; 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 (reduces any self-seeding, keeps tidy); divide congested clumps in late winter/early spring.
• Lifespan: 15–25+ years (long-lived clumps; easy to renew by division)
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA, incl. second-line coastal
• Soil pH: Neutral (adaptable: slightly acidic–slightly alkaline)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low borders/edging along paths and drives
• Mass plant for a long-lasting white display
• Containers for entries/patios
• Mix with grasses and grey foliage for contrast (not a privacy hedge)

Why You Will Love It

A long-flowering, tidy agapanthus that brings months of clean white bloom with minimal fuss—sterile/low-seed and water-wise once established.