The agapanthus (a-guh-pan-thuhs) plants are outdoor garden perennial flowers that bloom in the summer.
They are more commonly known as the “Lily of the Nile” or the African lily plant.
Apaganthus plants belong to a subfamily of flowering plants known as the Agapanthoideae, the Amaryllidaceae family.
This family of plants is in the same family as amaryllis and daffodils.
The Lily of the Nile is native to South Africa and creates large bulbs of blue or white flowers. The plant is tall and slender, standing up to 4 feet tall when it matures.
Known for its very little upkeep needs, the agapanthus plant is known for being a very easy plant. They are also usually pest and disease free and can be used to hide wildlife.
Quick Facts On Agapanthus Plants
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Light: Full outdoor sunlight
- Temperature: 59° to 70° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: 1” inch a week.
- Fertilizer: 10-10-10 Balanced Fertilizer
- Propagation: Divide the plant and repot during early spring.
- Common Problems: Anthracnose, Gray mold, Mealybugs, Spider mites
Agapanthus Plant Care
How Big Do Agapanthus Plants Grow?
The cluster of flowers of the agapanthus plants blooms above a slender stalk reaching about 4′ feet high.
Agapanthus plants will also grow to be about 2′ feet wide. However, there are other varieties of agapanthus that can be a little smaller.
These varieties are:
- Albus
- Flore Pleno
- Variegatus
- Nanus
- Ever Sapphire
The dwarf variety of the agapanthus plant will reach a height of 1′ to 2′ feet.
When Does Agapanthus Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Agapanthus plants flower in the summertime, making them a summer perennial.
They bloom in large clusters of flowers that look like lilies, giving them the “Lily of the Nile” nickname.
Agapanthus plants take around 2 to 3 years to reach maturity to reach their peak bloom.
If you want your agapanthus to flower, it is important to mimic the native climate of South Africa. This means seasonal rain and bright outdoor sunlight.
The cluster blooms of an agapanthus plant typically have a sweet fragrance similar to a hyacinth flower.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Like its native home, South Africa, agapanthus plants prefer bright light and a warmer climate.
Agapanthus plants need full sun, preferably outside. Therefore, it is best to plant them in your yard where the sun can reach for great lengths of the day.
When it comes to climate, agapanthus plants can not handle too cold of an environment.
The lowest temperature it can survive in is 40° degrees Fahrenheit. It is not meant for winter areas and can only thrive somewhere warm.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Agapanthus?
You should make sure your agapanthus plant’s soil is always moist but not soggy.
This means watering it every other day, depending on the season and how rainy it is in the environment.
Agapanthus does not do well in dry soil for long periods. So, it is vital to maintain the soil’s moisture.
When you fertilize your agapanthus, you should do so in early spring. This is right before the blooming season, so you know it is getting the correct nutrients to thrive and bloom for summer.
You should use a fertilizer ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-5-5. In midsummer, it is recommended that you fertilize your agapanthus again, but with half the amount of fertilizer used in the spring.
After fertilizing, be sure to water your plant so you can ultimately dilute the fertilizer.
What Is The Best Soil For Agapanthus And When Should You Transplant?
Agapanthus plants grow well in almost any type of soil. However, it does benefit from some compost added to the soil.
If your soil is very compact or is clay-based, it is important to add compost to it to encourage growth.
Agapanthus plants are easy to maintain as they only need to be repotted every 4 to 5 years.
It is best to replant agapanthus on a cooler day, in early spring before the blooming season.
Does Agapanthus Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Agapanthus plants will likely survive without any needed maintenance or grooming.
However, it does not hurt to cut back your plant to encourage growth.
To encourage more blooms and growth, you should try cutting back dead blooms or deadheading the wilted ones.
How To Propagate The Lily Of The Nile?
When you are ready to propagate your Lily of the Nile plant, you should do so by carefully dividing the plant by its roots in the spring.
The Lily of the Nile stems grow in large clumps, so when you dig the plant out, you will notice all the roots in clusters.
To propagate your agapanthus, you have to do the following steps:
- First, dig out the plant and separate it into several portions.
- Then, let the plant divide itself naturally.
- You can repot the new smaller plants into pots according to their sizes with the same soil when you have divided the plant.
- Feed the plant with the same amount of sun and water as it was previously getting to encourage growth.
Lily Of The Nile Pests And Disease Problems
The Lily of the Nile is known for being disease and pest free. In addition, they are hardy, low-maintenance loveable plants.
If you find your plant sickly, it may have a fungal disease known as anthracnose or other pests.
It is essential to remove the parts of the plant that are affected and spray the plant with a fungicide spray.
If you notice any pests on your plant, spray them with a neem oil insecticide.