Agapanthus, a popular perennial that grows from a bulb-like rhizome, is a tough survivor in the face of chronic drought. 

Their strappy evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves provide winter presence while blue or white flowers add a charge of mid to late summer color. 

The Agapanthus genus consists of seven species that go by the common name lily of the Nile (or sometimes African lily). 

Native to dry outcroppings or moist mountain meadows of South Africa, they prefer full sun and draining soils.