This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers)
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: half hardy (will need protection from frost in winter)
  
  A magnificent summer-flowering perennial that produces large rounded clusters of blue bell-shaped flowers on top of sturdy, upright stems. When not in flower, the strap-shaped foliage, which forms bold clumps, provides interest all year if protected from low temperatures and frosty weather. African lilies make great additions to a sunny, well-drained border. They also make fine specimens in containers, which will also enable them to be easily moved to a frost-free spot to overwinter when the temperatures start to drop.
  
  
• Garden care: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly from spring until flowering. Towards the end of September ease back on the watering and feeding of plants in containers to allow the foliage to toughen up. In cold areas, protect the crowns of the plants with a deep, dry mulch to protect them from hard frosts, or grow in a pot so they can be overwintered in an unheated greenhouse. Divide plants that have become too big in spring, but remember you will often get more flowers when the roots are constricted.