Lily of the Nile
Agapanthus africanus · Amaryllidaceae
📷 Nick Helme · CC BY-SA 4.0
⚠️ Chiens, chats, enfants : bulbes et feuilles par ingestion causent irritation gastro-intestinale et cardiaque.
The gardener's calendar
Lily of the nile is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark green in rosette form
- Flowering
- July to September, blue or white umbels
- Mature height
- 80 to 100 cm
- Hardiness
- Moderate (0 to -5 °C depending on varieties)
- Growth
- Slow and progressive
- Origin
- South Africa
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Plant in well-draining soil as agapanthus fears winter waterlogging: it's the leading cause of rot. In humid climates, raise the planting area or create a gravel dome.
The common mistake
Overwatering in winter or planting agapanthus in clay soil without preparation: it rots quickly and the bulbs die.
The pro's trick
Divide clumps every 4-5 years in spring (April): this rejuvenates flowering and prevents root suffocation.
Care
Sunlight
Agapanthus loves full sun and thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A sunny location promotes generous flowering and intense blue hues. In warm climates, it tolerates light afternoon shade.
Watering
Water regularly during spring and summer growth, keeping the soil lightly moist without waterlogging. Reduce watering in autumn and winter to encourage dormancy. Once established, agapanthus tolerates dry periods well.
Soil and Planting
Prefer well-draining, light and fertile soil enriched with compost or horticultural peat. Plant bulbs in spring, spacing them 30 to 40 cm apart. Avoid standing water, which causes bulb rot.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove spent flowers as they fade to extend flowering and redirect energy to new stems. At season's end, cut back dead or damaged foliage. Dividing clumps every 4 to 5 years rejuvenates the plant.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer from early spring through flowering. Once monthly application is generally sufficient. Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter.
Diseases and Pests
Agapanthus is generally robust. Watch for bulb rot if soil is too wet. Aphids may appear in summer; treat with a water spray or insecticidal soap if needed.
Did you know?
Linnaeus nicknamed agapanthus the 'Agapanthus of the Nile,' though it originates from South Africa, not Egypt—a confusion due to its early circulation through Mediterranean ports. Its spectacular blue flower balls inspired ancient painters and remain a symbol of nobility in Mediterranean and continental gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- RamsonsAllium ursinum
- ChivesAllium schoenoprasum
- Sand leekAllium scorodoprasum
- Elephant garlicAllium ampeloprasum
- OnionAllium cepa
- Belladonna lilyAmaryllis belladonna
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.