PlantHaven
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
AGAPANTHUS 'Gold Strike'
Plant Common Name
African Lily, Gold Strike Lily-of-the-Nile, Lily-of-the-Nile
General Description
Spectacular flowers and foliage make this a prized compact lily-of-the-Nile for the garden. The large, flared flowers of 'Gold Strike' are violet-blue with stripes and appear atop short sturdy stems above strap-shaped, green leaves edged in gold. Where hardy, it is best grown in the landscape but in colder climates it may be maintained as a container specimen if provided a spacious pot. This cultivar flowers for a long time and is a bit hardier than many other cultivated Agapanthus. Bloom time is variable, depending on the local climate and water availability, but plants typically bloom in summer.
The variegated leaves of this cultivar are produced in substantial clumps from thick fleshy roots that spread over time. 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 trumpet-shaped. Bees pollinate the flowers and small seed capsules, that turn from green to brown, follow. 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
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
14"-18" / 35.6cm - 45.7cm (16)
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Native To
Hybrid Origin, Southern Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Blue, Blue Violet
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor, Striped
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Edging, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
No
