A striking addition to a large container planting or border garden, the African lily (Agapanthus africanus) boasts clusters of funnel-shaped blue flowers on stalks 24 to 36 inches tall in July and August. Its daylily-like green leaves grow about 12 inches long. Native to South Africa, it's winter-hardy only in the warmest climates. In other regions, gardeners plant the African lily in containers.

Plant Facts
Common name: African lily, lily of the Nile
Botanical name: Agapanthus africanus
Zones: 7 to 10, depending on cultivar
Height: 24 to 36 inches is typical, but some cultivars reach 40 inches.
Family: Liliaceae

Growing conditions

  • Sun: Full sun to very light shade
  • Soil: Moderately fertile, fairly light, well-drained soil
  • Moisture: Keep evenly moist, but not wet. Poor drainage causes root and bulb rot.

Care

  • Mulch: None needed in containers. A light, organic mulch in border plantings will provide winter protection and keep the soil evenly moist.
  • Fertilizer: They are heavy feeders; fertilize every three to four weeks until they flower.

Propagation

  • Sow seeds when springtime temperatures reach 55°F to 59°F.
  • Seeds from the garden often do not come true to the parent plant. Divide plants in spring to get consistent results.

Pests and diseases

  • Slugs and snails
  • Root and bulb rot in poorly drained soil


Garden notes

  • Plants started from seed will take two to three years to flower.
  • Plant rhizomes 1 inch deep and 8 inches apart.
  • African lilies flower more profusely when their roots are crowded.
  • Deadhead flowers regularly. Bloom production will decline if the plant sets seed.
  • African lilies are attractive as mass plantings in the garden or as cut flowers.
  • There are two types of African lily. Evergreen types (Agapanthus africanus, for example) can over-winter as container plants indoors in a cool, bright spot. Deciduous types (Agapanthus campanulatus, for example) have foliage that dies off before the winter. Store them in a cool, dark place (35°F to 45°F) for the winter.
  • Cultivars
  • ‘Alice Gloucester' has white flowers and grows 36 inches tall. Hardy in Zones 7 to 10.
  • ‘Elaine' has blue-violet flowers and reaches 36 inches tall.
  • ‘Blue Triumphator' grows 36 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 7 to 10.
  • ‘Peter Pan' gets 18 inches tall and has blue flowers. Hardy in Zones 9 to 10.


All in the family

  • Agapanthus campanulatus ‘Albovittatus' has strap-shaped leaves with white stripes and blue flowers. It grows 30 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 7 to 10.
  • Agapanthus Headbourne hybrids have funnel-shaped flowers in violet and light blue. They are more hardy and will do well in Zones 6 to 9.
  • Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis has dark green leaves, medium blue flowers, and is hardy in Zones 9 to 11.
  • Allium, Alstroemeria, Asiatic and Oriental lilies, Trillium, and Convallaria (lily-of-the valley) are all part of this family, which produces stunning and sometimes fragrant blooms for the garden.

Text by Mary Pestel, photo courtesy of Brent and Becky's Bulbs.