Lily Of The Nile
Agapanthus africanusUSDA | Grow Zone
8-11Outdoors all year in zones 8 to 11. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 20°F.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Consistently moist soil
- Humidity
- 40-60% preferred
- Temperature
- 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 3-4 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide
Agapanthus africanus, commonly known as Lily Of The Nile, is a stunning perennial native to South Africa. Its striking blue or white flowers bloom in summer, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
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Ideal temperature
60-75°F is where it grows fastest. Below 20°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 3-4 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide
- Plant apart
- 12-24 in
- Frost
- Half hardy: light frost only
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Agapanthus africanus prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate some drying out between waterings.
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce frequency in the winter months. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering can cause wilting and browning leaf tips.
Light
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
It can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade may reduce flowering. Ensure it is placed in a location where it can receive bright, indirect light during the hottest part of the day.
Soil
Agapanthus prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
A mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite is recommended for optimal drainage. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
Humidity
This plant is adaptable to various humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity around 40-60%.
To increase humidity, mist the leaves or place a humidifier nearby. Signs of humidity stress include browning leaf edges and stunted growth.
Temperature
Agapanthus africanus thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and is hardy in zones 8-11.
It can tolerate brief periods of cold down to 20°F (-6°C) but should be protected from frost. During extreme heat, ensure adequate watering to prevent stress.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14.
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, and reduce feeding in fall and winter. Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves and poor flowering.
Pruning
Prune Agapanthus in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks to encourage new growth. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes and stunted growth. When repotting, gently loosen the roots and place in fresh potting mix.
Propagation
Propagation can be done through division or seeds.
For division, carefully dig up the plant in early spring, and separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has roots. Replant immediately. For seeds, collect ripe seed pods and sow them in a seed-starting mix in spring, keeping them moist until germination.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Often caused by over-watering or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Check the soil moisture and reduce watering frequency. Fertilize if nutrient deficiency is suspected.
Root rot
Why it happens
Occurs due to overly wet soil and poor drainage.
How to fix it
Ensure proper drainage and reduce watering. If root rot is present, remove affected roots and repot in fresh soil.
Poor flowering
Why it happens
Can be due to insufficient sunlight or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily and fertilize regularly during the growing season.
Browning leaf tips
Why it happens
Often a sign of low humidity or under-watering.
How to fix it
Increase humidity levels and ensure consistent watering to keep the soil moist.
Pests (aphids, spider mites)
Why it happens
Common pests that can infest the plant, especially in dry conditions.
How to fix it
Inspect regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if pests are found.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, prune any dead foliage and fertilize as new growth begins. Water regularly as the plant starts to actively grow.
Summer
During summer, ensure consistent watering and provide mulch to retain moisture. Monitor for pests and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Fall
In fall, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. Remove spent flowers and prepare for winter by mulching around the base to protect the roots.
Winter
In winter, protect the plant from frost by covering it with mulch or moving potted plants indoors. Water sparingly, just enough to keep the soil slightly moist.
Toxicity & Safety
Agapanthus africanus is considered non-toxic to pets and children. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. The leaves and flowers are safe, but it is always best to discourage pets from chewing on any plants.
Good to know
How often should I water my Agapanthus?
Water your Agapanthus once a week during the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in the winter months.
Why are my Agapanthus leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can indicate over-watering or a nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture and adjust watering, and consider fertilizing if necessary.
What type of soil is best for Agapanthus?
Agapanthus prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite works well.
When should I prune my Agapanthus?
Prune your Agapanthus in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead leaves and spent flower stalks to promote healthy growth.
Can I grow Agapanthus in a container?
Yes, Agapanthus can thrive in containers. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.
How do I propagate Agapanthus?
You can propagate Agapanthus by division or seeds. Division is best done in early spring, while seeds can be sown in spring after collecting ripe pods.
What are the ideal light conditions for Agapanthus?
Agapanthus thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
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