Companion Planting With Agapanthus: Good Companion Plants For Agapanthus

Agapanthuses are tall perennials with gorgeous blue, pink, or purple flowers. Also called Lily of the Nile or Blue African Lily, agapanthus is the queen of the late summer garden. 

Although you may be tempted to dedicate a flower bed to agapanthus, remember that agapanthus companion plants can complement these beauties. Read on for information about plants that grow well with agapanthus.

Companion Planting with Agapanthus

Once you know about plants that grow well with agapanthus, you can select agapanthus companion plants for your garden. The first thing to keep in mind is that companion plants for agapanthus must share the flower’s preferences for temperature, soil, and sun. Agapanthus thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. 

This perennial can reach 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall, depending on variety, and looks most attractive grown in masses of color. Dwarf agapanthus, such as Peter Pan or Agapetite, may grow only to 24 inches (61 cm.), or even shorter. Agapanthus plants require well-draining soil and full to partial sun to grow happily. 

In cooler regions, plant them in full sun; in warmer climes, partial sun works best. While these blue African lilies require regular irrigation, they’ll be happiest if you allow the soil to dry out between drinks.

Plants That Grow Well with Agapanthus

Fortunately, many plants share agapanthus’s growing requirements, so you will have a wide selection of potential companion plants for agapanthus. You’ll want to take into account the type of agapanthus you have growing in your garden, and your favorite color schemes. 

One strategy when choosing agapanthus companion plants is to pick plants that complement the shape of your plant, with its pencil-thin stems topped with globes of blossoms. Other plants that offer long leaves and showy flowers include iris, daylilies, and allium. Another strategy you might employ to pick companion plants for agapanthus is to focus on color. 

If you have a vibrant blue or purple agapanthus, pick flowers in complementary colors, like yellows and oranges. For example, pick yellow and orange daylilies or include a pink butterfly bush to allow the blues and purples of the agapanthus to sizzle.

One other option when you pick companion plants for agapanthus is to focus on height. Plant a tall bush or blooming climber, like wisteria, that pulls the eye upward.

Or you might plant dwarf agapanthus with hydrangea, and then add spiky birds of paradise, wild purple coneflowers, or Shasta daisies. Low growing alyssum or dianthus look magical along the border.