Agapanthus

Agapanthus is commonly named as African lily or ‘Lily of the Nile’ that is the representative of the herbaceous perennials. The name of Agapanthus is derived from the words 'love' and 'flower' from the Greek language.

Agapanthus is not a lily but an amaryllis. Being a member of the Amaryllidaceae it falls into the families of Agapanthus orientalis and Agapanthus africanus.

It represents a genus of flower plants that is made up of 6-10 species of herbs originated from South Africa. The main season of this plant is the summer; however some types may blossom in early April and even late December. The plant may be divided into two major groups. The 1st one is evergreen and the 2nd one is deciduous species which loses its leaves in winter.

African lily is distinguished by its tall stem without leaves. The flowers are growing in clusters being of funnel shape and having numerous shades of blue to white colors. Nowadays the plants may be met in other colors as the result of hybridization.


Agapanthus Plant Care

Summer

African lily thrives in a sunny and sheltered place, no matter either in the garden, on a terrace or balcony.

For proper care the plants require regular watering and feeding with fertilizer. It is very important to avoid the soil getting dry. In addition it demands drainage.

Winter
Deciduous agapanthus is possible to be over wintered. The plant should be kept in the darkness with the temperature of about 5 degrees C. It may be placed in the cellar or garage without necessity of being watered.

Growing in warm climate agapanthus can be kept in the garden bed. However to protect from frost it should be mulched well.

Evergreen agapanthus is possible to be over wintered in a cool, light area. Such places may be entrances, unheated hallways, landings without draughts or a cold greenhouse. This group of plant should be watered sometimes in order to prevent the loss of moisture.