Agapanthus praecox aka African Lily is an incredibly invasive plants that invades bushland, gardens and roadsides competing with our indigenous orchids, grasses, lilies and groundcovers.
Agapanthus is a herbaceous perennial that grows from a rhizome, the stems have between 20-40 flowers each and each of these flowers can contain up to 100 seeds
The best method of removal is to remove the entire plant by hand by digging up and ensuring all the roots are removed, however these plants are often in very large clumps that are difficult to handle.
If you are unable to remove them it is important to remove the flower heads before they seed, Agapanthus usually flower between November and February
Another undesirable feature of the Agapanthus is that is can attract an abundance of snails and slugs to your garden
Botanic Name: Agapanthus praecox
Common Name: African Lily, Lily of the Nile
Origin: South Africa
Flowers: November – February
Photo Credit: Linda Sijpkes
Some good Indigenous alternatives to Agapanthus are:
Botanic Name: Dianella tasmanica
Common Name: Tasman Flax Lily
Origin: Australian Native
Plant Family: Asphodelaceae
Flowers: August – February
Indigenous plant that grows 0.6-1.5 m H x 0.5-2 m W, Likes moist soil, semi shade to full sun, great food for caterpillars and birds, also good for frog habitat
Photo Credit: Yarra Ranges Shire website
Botanic Name: Lomandra longifolia
Common Name: Spiny Headed Mat Rush
Origin: Australian Native
Plant Family: Asparagaceae
Flowers: September – February
Indigenous plant that grows 0.5-1 m H x 0.5-1.2 m W , scented yellow flowers, food for caterpillars and birds, nectar for butterflies and habitat for frogs, prefers well drained soil in a full sun part shade position.
Photo Credit: Vic Flora website