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Lily of the Nile Agapanthus

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Lily of the Nile:

Phonetic Spelling
ag-ah-PAN-thus
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

This is a genus of 6 plants native to southern Africa and grows in upright clumps from fleshy rhizomes that produce short, tuberous roots. Tufts of strap-like arching leaves are produced on short stems and are 12-24 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. Most are evergreen and stay attractive even when not in bloom although there are deciduous types. Flowers are produced in clusters held above the foliage and are tubular or bell-shaped in shades of blues, purple or white with a darker stripe down the center of each petal. Bloom time is summer and in frost-free areas will bloom into fall.

Plant in full sun to partial shade in sandy-loam well-drained soils. The rhizomes should be planted 1 inch deep and 8 inches apart. If growing in a pot allow the plant to become rootbound as it will bloom best under those conditions. Use in the border or on the patio in a container.

Evergreen types should be grown year-round, treating them as houseplants during the winter in areas that receive frost. The deciduous ones can be stored in a cool, dark place in above freezing temperatures in areas north of zone 7.  If leaving the deciduous types in the ground provide with mulch for protection and do not plant in an area that stays wet.

This plant can be propagated by seed or dividing the rhizomes. Starting from seed can take up to 5 years before blooming occurs so division is best. Divided plants may not bloom in the first year. This plant is seldom damaged by deer. Cultivars are available.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • A. africanus
    Moderately salt tolerant
  • 'Albus'
  • 'Blue Baby'
  • 'Blue Triumphator'
  • 'Donau'
  • 'Elaine'
  • 'Ellamae'
  • 'White Superior'
A. africanus, 'Albus', 'Blue Baby', 'Blue Triumphator', 'Donau', 'Elaine', 'Ellamae', 'White Superior'
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#blue flowers#moist soil#lily#well-drained soil#summer flowers#deer resistant#rhizomes#foundation planting#morning sun#rock garden#border planting#sandy soils tolerant#HS302#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • A. africanus
    Moderately salt tolerant
  • 'Albus'
  • 'Blue Baby'
  • 'Blue Triumphator'
  • 'Donau'
  • 'Elaine'
  • 'Ellamae'
  • 'White Superior'
A. africanus, 'Albus', 'Blue Baby', 'Blue Triumphator', 'Donau', 'Elaine', 'Ellamae', 'White Superior'
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#blue flowers#moist soil#lily#well-drained soil#summer flowers#deer resistant#rhizomes#foundation planting#morning sun#rock garden#border planting#sandy soils tolerant#HS302#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Agapanthus
    Family:
    Amaryllidaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Has been used medicinally by native people.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southern Africa
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    This plant is seldom damaged by deer.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Clusters of bell-shaped or tubular flowers in blues, purple or white. Individual flowers have 6 petals with a darker stripe down the center. Long-lasting and good cut. Blooms in summer.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    12-24 inch strap-like leaves are 1-2 inches wide. Colors range from dark green, blue-green or lighter green. Can be evergreen or deciduous.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Fairy Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Attracts:
    Hummingbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Poisonous through ingestion and dermatitis. Symptoms may include irritation of skin and eyes from cell sap. Irritation and ulceration of mouth if ingested.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Unknown.
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Sap/Juice