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Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus)
Lily of the NileAfrican Lily
Agapanthus africanus
Lily of the Nile
Lily of the NileAfrican Lily
A. africanus is an evergreen species that produces rounded clusters (umbels) of blue, funnel-shaped flowers atop stiff, upright, leafless, fleshy stalks (scapes) typically rising 18-24" tall above a dense mound of basal narrow, strap-shaped, linear, grass-like leaves. Blooms in summer. Foliage mounds are attractive when plants are not in bloom.
Both subspecies of Agapanthus africanus are difficult to grow. A africanus subspecies africanus is not suitable as a garden plant except in rockeries. They are best grown in containers in a well drained, slightly acid sandy mix and appear happiest if pot bound. They seem to grow best in shallow containers and will flower regularly if fed with a slow release fertiliser. nurserymen confuse Agapanthus africanus with Agapanthus praecox, which is a popular, easily grown species. Any Agapanthus referred to as 'africanus' in the nursery trade is almost certainly Agapanthus orientalis.
Attracts BeesAttracts BirdsAttracts ButterfliesColorContainer Plant
A. umbellatus
South Africa
24 - 36 IN
24 - 36 IN
Y
Dark Green
Sword-like : Thick
Bulb
Blue
Spring : Summer
Difficult
Sun (minimum 8 hours direct sun)
Alkaline : Rocky : Sandy : Well-drained
Medium
Sunset Zones
USDA Zones
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