Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
AGAPANTHUS praecox ssp. orientalis
Plant Common Name
African Lily, Blue Lily, Common Agapanthus, Lily-of-the-Nile
General Description
The naturally occurring African lily subspecies, Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis, is tall, has longer more arching leaves than other variants and shorter more open-faced flowers ranging from medium blue to white. Flower clusters and plant clumps also tend to be larger and denser. Lots of cultivated varieties exist.
Queen of the African lilies, Agapanthus praecox is a large-flowered beauty with lustrous, strap-like, evergreen foliage. Long leafless stems topped with rounded clusters of variable violet-blue or white, liliaceous flowers appear in profusion, especially if plants are well-tended. Each funnel-shaped bloom has six tepals (petal-like sepals) marked with dark blue lines down their centers. This tender perennial is native to the rocky slopes of the eastern Cape of South Africa where winter rainfall is plentiful. Bloom time is variable; in South Africa plants bloom from December through to February, during their summer and fall, but in North America they can bloom from late-winter through fall, depending on the local climate and water availability.
African lilies are clump-forming plants that spread by rhizomes. Their terminal clusters of broadly funnel-shaped flowers are lightly scented and most profuse in summer. Bees pollinate the flowers. In North America, hummingbirds are also known to visit them. Small seed capsules, which turn from green to brown, follow pollination. Plants can self-sow and are known to be weedy along the California coast. Cut spent stems back to keep plants looking tidy, encourage further flowering and deter seedlings.
Agapanthus clumps grow quickly and require regular division if they are to be contained. They grow best in full sun and average, well-drained soil. Slightly acid, rocky or sandy soils are best. Established plants withstand substantial periods of drought. Where marginally hardy, grow them in sheltered locations and protect with mulch in autumn. Overwinter indoor specimens in a cool bright spot and water sparingly from fall to midwinter. African lilies are best planted as border specimens, container plants or groundcover. They are quite carefree; pest and disease problems are few and deer do not feed on them. The showy umbels make dramatic cut flowers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 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
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Southern Africa, South Africa
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Blue, Blue Violet
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor, Striped
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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, Dark 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
No
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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
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Edging, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
