My mother-in-law, Dorothy LaBrecque, introduced me to the Lily of the Nile when it was blooming profusely in her flower beds. They were so graceful and appealing as they swayed in the wind that I wanted to learn about this elegant plant.
Flower of love
Lily of the Nile is the common name for agapanthus, which translated from the Greek means the flower of love. Agapanthus genus has 10 species that range in color from white to violet blue to cobalt blue.
Although now grown worldwide, agapanthus are native to South Africa and grow along the Nile River from western South Africa to Egypt. Agapanthus plants grow prolifically near very moist areas and tolerate salt water.
- Wide range of growing conditions
In Africa, they grow under shade trees for protection from the hot sun. In South Texas, they grow well in partial sun or morning sun and afternoon shade. It flourishes in the coastal, frost-free and temperate climate and grows well in a wide-range of soil types and growing conditions.
Characteristics
With spires of white to blue, the agapanthus has a striking appearance blooming spring to fall in the right conditions.
- 6-8 inches floret blooms on 2-4 foot stems
Agapanthus plants produce big flowers composed of about 100 tiny tubular, bell-shaped florets that grow at the end of a thick two to four-foot tall stem. The globe-shaped clusters measure about 6-8 inches in diameter and are framed by long, curved, deep green leaves. These showy plants bloom from spring to fall and make beautiful arrangements. They rarely need staking and are considered pest-hardy.
Agapanthus plants are perennials that grow from underground rhizomes.
They can be propagated by dividing the root lumps immediately after flowering in late fall up to early spring. Divided plants recover better from the shock in cool, moist conditions.
To keep agapanthus healthy, divide them every three to four years when they are large enough to divide into new plants. To ensure larger blooms on each plant, do not overcrowd them.
- Bulbs/rhizomes preferred over seeds
While one can grow agapanthus from seeds, it is a slow, arduous process. The seeds germinate in three to eight weeks and can be planted in containers. However, it may take three to four years for the plants to flower. Therefore, most gardeners prefer to plant them from bulbs or rhizomes.
Plant agapanthus rhizomes one to two inches deep in a moderately fertile soil that drains well and space them eight to24 inches apart. A soil that is too rich will promote soft, lush growth that is prone to winter damage.
In South Texas, Lily of the Nile can be found grouped together in clusters, spaced along walkways or planted in containers. Usually, agapanthus plants are planted in areas that have filtered light or full shade and protected from full sun.
After planting, water well so the soil settles around the bulb. To keep the soil lightly moist in the spring and summer provide about one inch of water per week. Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage blooming. In the fall and winter, the soil can dry out and the plant can rest. Yellow foliage can be removed.
Use good quality, loose soil when planting Lily of the Nile in planters or window boxes. The containers must have adequate drainage holes because the bulbs will rot in waterlogged soil. Sit your planter where it receives morning sun and light shade in the afternoon. Morning sun helps the plants develop stronger stems.
Plant the bulbs two inches deep and space them 4-6 inches apart. Position the bulbs with the pointed end facing up. Planters of agapanthus are a beautiful addition to patios, decks, pools, and outside entertainment areas.
After the blooming season, leave the green foliage in place. The leaves absorb sunlight, creating food through photosynthesis and strengthening the bulb. Water very lightly during the winter. Bring the containers inside when the night temperatures begin to drop to the low 40s.
Growing locally
Agapanthus can be found in many Victoria gardens where they are prolific bloomers. My neighbor Buddy said he planted one bulb five years ago that spread to produce more than a dozen blooms this year. He said he puts Epson salts on the plant in early spring and waters when needed.
My friend Sallye said she puts a natural fertilizer on her agapanthus every month or two. My avid gardener friend Linda said she planted her agapanthus plants in the right spots where they need little care.
Agapanthus is a well-named plant that attracts hummingbirds. It is indeed, the "flower of love." Once you plant it and it blooms, they love it - and you will, too.
The Gardeners' Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com.
Victoria County Master Gardener Association
