AGAPANTHUS

AKA: African Lilies or Lilies-of-the-Nile

Agapanthus are natives of South Africa and belong to the Lily family, Liliaceae.

• They are evergreen in mild-winter climates.
• The fleshy rhizomes of these plants spread over the soil's surface and support a short, more or less tuberous rootstock.
• They produce clumps of long, shiny, strap-like leaves, which look attractive even when the plant isn't flowering.
• Tall stems, reaching 2 to 6 feet in height, are topped with clusters of pretty, white to dark blue flowers from late spring to early autumn.
• Each flower resembles the flowers of a lily, but are borne in umbels like those belonging to the group, Allium.
• African Lilies are suitable for growing in the garden, in containers, and as houseplants. They flower better when their roots are rather crowded in a container.
• The flowers of these plants can be cut for use indoors; they can last up to seven days in a vase. The dried seed heads also look attractive in arrangements.

How to Grow Agapanthus
African Lilies are hardy to zones 7 to 11. They can remain outdoors permanently where temperatures do not fall below 20º. Grow them in well-drained soil consisting of two parts loam, one part leaf mold, and one part well-decayed manure. Plant the roots an inch deep and space the rhizomes 18 to 24 inches apart when grown in a garden. When grown in containers, plant a single rhizome in a 12-inch pot and three in a 20-inch pot. When in active growth, water and fertilize weekly. Florida growers should site them in partial shade. For cooler climates, site in full sun.