Lily of the Nile
Lily of the Nile is also known as African agapanthus. It is a member of the Amaryllis family. This is native to South Africa.
The hardiness can vary slightly, depending on the species. Typically, it is hardy in zones seen through eleven. Most are hardy to about 25 degrees F. These species can apparently tolerate some frost as well. These can be propagated from bulbs as well as from seeds.
A large number of hybrids are readily available.
The common name for this plant comes from the Greek, which can be translated as love flower. The plant is highly recommended for pollinator gardens. This species is grown foe both the very attractive foliage as well as for the beautiful blossoms.
Lily of the Nile is a tuberous rooted plant. It is highly recommended as a container plant. The plant is perfect for the back of borders as well as along driveways, fences, and walls.
This is a very leafy, vigorous plant with sword-like, narrow, long, thick leaves that arise at the base of the plant. The arching foliage arises from short rhizomes. The plant features fleshy, thick roots. The foliage is up to 1 ½ feet in length. There are varieties with variegated leaves.
Lily of the Nile is very free flowering. The long erect flower stems flower stalk is taller than the foliage, up to three feet in height. The flower stalk can contain 20 to 24 blossoms.
These flowers form terminal, crowded umbels that are located between two bracts, which resemble sheaths. Flowering takes place during the summer.
The species has deep blue blossoms. However, there are varieties that have white or violet colored blooms.
These feature funnel-like corollas. The individual blooms are 1 ½ inch long and can vary somewhat in size.
These tube-like flowers are a source of nectar and pollen for pollinators. Flowering can last for three weeks or more.
When grown in cold climates, dry the plants and store them in a cool, frost-free place for the winter. Lily of the Nile can be propagated by divisions. In warm climates, this plant can be evergreen.
Lily of the Nile is easy to grow. It is a suitable choice for beginners.
There is a second species in cultivation. It is known as Oriental agapanthus. This vigorous plant is slightly less hardy, and is only hardy to zone 9. It has long, narrow leaves that are up to two feet in length and is three inches wide.
This species is very leafy and has a flower stalk that is two to three feet in height. This species is even more free flowering. It also has blue blooms with 40 to 100 flowers per plant.
Growing Agapanthus
When growing these bulbs, give them a rest period during the winter. During that time keep the soil fairly dry. These plants are suited to adverse growing conditions, such as slopes and along coastal areas. This will grow in any soil type so long as it is moist during the spring and summer.
Lily of the Nile plants are tolerant of neglect. These grow to form very large clumps and can freely naturalize when given good growing conditions.
The hardiness can vary slightly, depending on the species. Typically, it is hardy in zones seen through eleven. Most are hardy to about 25 degrees F. These species can apparently tolerate some frost as well. These can be propagated from bulbs as well as from seeds.
A large number of hybrids are readily available.
The common name for this plant comes from the Greek, which can be translated as love flower. The plant is highly recommended for pollinator gardens. This species is grown foe both the very attractive foliage as well as for the beautiful blossoms.
Lily of the Nile is a tuberous rooted plant. It is highly recommended as a container plant. The plant is perfect for the back of borders as well as along driveways, fences, and walls.
This is a very leafy, vigorous plant with sword-like, narrow, long, thick leaves that arise at the base of the plant. The arching foliage arises from short rhizomes. The plant features fleshy, thick roots. The foliage is up to 1 ½ feet in length. There are varieties with variegated leaves.
Lily of the Nile is very free flowering. The long erect flower stems flower stalk is taller than the foliage, up to three feet in height. The flower stalk can contain 20 to 24 blossoms.
These flowers form terminal, crowded umbels that are located between two bracts, which resemble sheaths. Flowering takes place during the summer.
The species has deep blue blossoms. However, there are varieties that have white or violet colored blooms.
These feature funnel-like corollas. The individual blooms are 1 ½ inch long and can vary somewhat in size.
These tube-like flowers are a source of nectar and pollen for pollinators. Flowering can last for three weeks or more.
When grown in cold climates, dry the plants and store them in a cool, frost-free place for the winter. Lily of the Nile can be propagated by divisions. In warm climates, this plant can be evergreen.
Lily of the Nile is easy to grow. It is a suitable choice for beginners.
There is a second species in cultivation. It is known as Oriental agapanthus. This vigorous plant is slightly less hardy, and is only hardy to zone 9. It has long, narrow leaves that are up to two feet in length and is three inches wide.
This species is very leafy and has a flower stalk that is two to three feet in height. This species is even more free flowering. It also has blue blooms with 40 to 100 flowers per plant.
Growing Agapanthus
When growing these bulbs, give them a rest period during the winter. During that time keep the soil fairly dry. These plants are suited to adverse growing conditions, such as slopes and along coastal areas. This will grow in any soil type so long as it is moist during the spring and summer.
Lily of the Nile plants are tolerant of neglect. These grow to form very large clumps and can freely naturalize when given good growing conditions.
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