Agapanthus in New Zealand

Originating from South Africa, Agapanthus—specifically Agapanthus praecox and its cultivars—were brought to New Zealand and later became a popular and common invasive species garden plant.

Troops returning from the Second Boer War in the native range of this genus liked the plant, escalating its commonplace use in the early twentieth century.

[1] Agapanthus is often seen planted alongside fences in home gardens and framing driveway entrances.

They also found lasting appeal at baches in New Zealand, for the extreme hardiness, salt-tolerance and very low maintenance.

[4] There was an attempt made at adding A. praecox to the 2006 update of the National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) but the application was declined.