Jessie Keith
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Agapanthus 'Ellamae' PP7297
Plant Common Name
African Lily, Ellamae Lily-of-the-Nile, Lily-of-the-Nile
General Description
Very large brilliant indigo blue flower clusters adorn 'Ellamae.' Each vibrant flower cluster has many florets. This cultivar was bred in 1978 by Archie A. Amate of Huntington Beach, California and introduced in 1990 by the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum. It is best grown in the landscape but in colder climates it may be maintained as a container specimen if provided a large spacious pot. This tends to be a summer bloomer, but bloom time can be variable depending on the local climate and water availability.
The long strap-like leaves are medium green and produced in substantial clumps from thick fleshy roots that spread. Though technically evergreen, the foliage may die back until spring if plants are subjected to hard, but not killing, frost. Attractive rounded clusters of small, lily-like flowers are produced throughout the growing season. Each six-petaled bloom is bell-shaped. Bees pollinate the flowers. This selection does not produce seed capsules. Cut spent stems back to keep plants looking tidy and encourage further bloom.
Provide lily-of-the-Nile full to partial sun and soil that is fertile, well-drained and has a neutral pH. For best flowering, water regularly during the summer months, but keep plants drier through the winter months. Established plants will withstand substantial periods of drought. Specimens grown in containers or small garden spaces should be divided regularly as clumps tend to spread vigorously. Where marginally hardy, grow in a sheltered spot and mulch in late autumn. Indoors, overwinter in a bright spot and water sparingly while the plant is dormant.
Lily-of-the-Nile is best planted as a groundcover, border specimen or container plant. It is quite carefree; pest and disease problems are few and deer do not feed on it. The showy umbels make dramatic cut flowers.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Tender Perennial
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
-
Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
-
Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
-
Native To
Hybrid Origin, South Africa
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Medium
-
Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
-
Habit
Clump-Forming
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
Indigo, Blue Violet
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green, Yellow Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Medium
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Container, Cutflower, Edging, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Attracts
Hummingbirds
-
Self-Sowing
No
