Native to South Africa, Agapanthus, also known as African Lily, are flamboyant and exotic-looking perennials that are easy to grow and relatively pest and disease-free. They feature showy, rounded clusters of brightly colored flowers on stiff, upright stalks atop clumps of beautiful, long, shiny leaves.
Key Features of White African Lily
White African Lily is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a rigidly upright and towering form. The plant features bold clusters of white trumpet-shaped flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer, emerging from distinctive creamy white flower buds. The flowers are excellent for cutting, and its narrow leaves remain dark green throughout the year.
- Height: Typically grows to about 18 inches tall, extending to 24 inches with the flowers.
- Spread: About 24 inches.
- Foliage: Narrow, dark green leaves that remain throughout the year.
- Flowers: Bold clusters of white trumpet-shaped flowers.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Light
Agapanthus thrives in full sun, needing 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. In hotter climates, partial shade is preferable.
Soil
Agapanthus performs best in fertile, moist, and well-drained soil. For containers, use EB Stone Potting Soil, and for garden beds, use EB Stone Planting Mix. It likes a well-drained, moist soil of neutral pH and will not tolerate constantly wet soil.
Watering
During the growing season, African lilies require regular watering. However, avoid overwatering in winter.
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Hardiness
Fully to half hardy, Agapanthus are hardy in zones 8-11, and some cultivars can be grown in zone 7.
Planting and Care Tips
Planting
Plant bare root divisions in the spring when the threat of a heavy freeze has passed. Space individuals 18-24 inches apart. The rhizomes should be planted 1 inch deep and 8 inches apart.
Fertilizing
For best flowering, fertilize in early spring and again after flowering concludes. African lilies benefit from an early spring top dressing of well-rotted manure, which naturally contains a high level of nitrogen for strong foliage during the growing season.
Trimming & Pruning
Foliage naturally dies back in the fall and can be cleared away. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season.
Overwintering
In Zones 7 or 8, plants should be heavily mulched fairly late in the season. Remove all leaves first to discourage rot. Evergreen types should be grown year-round, treating them as houseplants during the winter in areas that receive frost.
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Dividing & Transplanting
If you live in a warmer climate, your African lilies will soon require division, as clumps will become congested and flowering will suffer. After flowering, dig the entire clump and wash the roots free of soil so you can make good cuts with a sharp knife, including some roots and foliage/new buds with each division. Immediately replant in the garden for large divisions, and in pots for smaller ones (where they can be closely monitored).
Propagation
Be patient with Agapanthus, as it takes a year or two for it to reach its full potential. Rhizomes will enlarge and plants will spread over time. The seeds of spent flowers can be harvested and will germinate, but it takes several years for seed-grown specimens to begin flowering. Propagation by division is a faster method. Plants bloom best when rootbound, so don’t be quick to separate. Use care when dividing ground-grown plants, as the thick feeder roots spread widely and shallowly. It is best to divide congested plants in autumn rather than spring.
Potential Problems
Pests and Diseases
African lily is for the most part not bothered by garden pests, but can occasionally suffer from viral infection. As for disease, botrytis fungus can be damaging to plantings of agapanthus.
Toxicity
Agapanthus leaves are toxic if eaten, and the sap can cause skin irritation.
Table: Agapanthus Varieties
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| Cultivar | Flower Color | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Albus | White | Classic white variety |
| Flore Pleno | Blue/Purple | Double flowers |
| Variegatus | Blue/Purple | Striped leaves |
| Nanus | Blue/Purple | Dwarf, compact form |
Companion Plants
As African Lily is a mid to late flowering plant, it pairs beautifully with tall sedums such as Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy' or with later flowering daylilies such as ‘Autumn Minaret,’ whose yellow-orange flowers provide strong contrast to its blue globes.
Additional Tips
- Agapanthus is a summer-flowering bulb for Southern gardens.
- It will liven up a Florida-Friendly landscape by attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators.
- To encourage flowering, remember the home climate of this non-native. Gardeners in Florida should plant their agapanthus in full sun for the best blooms.
- Other factors that boost blooming are improved soil and high “stand” density (agapanthus blooms best in dense, undisturbed clumps of plants called stands).
