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Agapan is the only genus in the subfamily Agapanthoideae of the flowering plant family Amaryllidaceous. The family is in the monocot order Asparaguses. The name is derived from Greek. Some species of Agapanthus are commonly known as lily of the Nile, or African lily in the UK. However, they are not lilies and all of the species are native to Southern Africa. Agapanthus is a genus of herbaceous perennials that mostly bloom in summer. The leaves are basal, curved, and linear, growing up to 60 cm long. They are rather leathery and arranged in two opposite rows. The plant has a mostly underground stem called a rhizome that is used as a storage organ. The roots, which grow out of the rhizome, are white, thick and fleshy. This is a tender perennial that grows from a fleshy-rooted rhizome. For container plants, plant rhizome 1/2" below soil surface, keep soils consistently moist and provide moderate fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Plants bloom best when roots are pot-bound. Site containers in locations with afternoon shade. In fall prior to the first frost, remove containers to a bright, frost-free location for overwintering. Provide very limited water in winter (just enough to keep leaves from drying / wilting). Return containers outdoors in spring.