Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Agapanthus 'Tinkerbell'
Plant Common Name
African Lily, Lily-of-the-Nile, Tinkerbell Lily-of-the-Nile
General Description
The fully evergreen lily-of-the-Nile, 'Tinkerbell', is a slow-growing dwarf selection with beautifully variegated foliage. The narrow, moss-green leaves have slender ivory stripes along the edges. Its equally attractive medium blue flowers occur when growing conditions are favorable, particularly from late-spring to summer. Where hardy, 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.
Agapanthus form substantial clumps that arise 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 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 - 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
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Height
16"-20" / 40.6cm - 50.8cm
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Width
12"-15" / 30.5cm - 38.1cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Hybrid Origin, South 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
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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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
Blue
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Light Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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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
Yes
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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
Container, Cutflower, Edging, Groundcover, Houseplant, 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
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
