Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)

A long lasting southern lily…

Lily of the Nile is commonly grown in ground beds in south Georgia where the temperature doesn't usually get much lower than 18 degrees.

Agapanthus, also called African Lily and Lily of the Nile, bears large, round heads of blue or white flowers on long, stout stems during May. It comes in standard and dwarf varieties. The evergreen leaves of the standard varieties are long and strap-shaped and look like large amaryllis leaves. The stem holding the head of flowers may be three feet long or longer. The dwarf varieties, called "Peter Pan", are about half the size of the standard varieties.

South Georgia friendly

Lily of the Nile is commonly grown in ground beds in south Georgia where the temperature doesn't usually get much lower than 18 degrees. However, in areas where the temperatures drop below 18 degrees, the Lily of the Nile may be grown in large wooden or plastic containers. Container-grown plants can be placed outside in a sunny spot or in a spot with some shade, but only after the danger of hard freezes has passed.

Tips for Care…

The Lily of the Nile needs a well drained, humus type soil. The ideal mixture would be made of two parts loamy soil, one part leaf mold, and one part well-decayed manure. During the summer, be prepared to give the Lily of the Nile plenty of water. During the winter give it just enough to keep the soil from becoming very dry. When the Lily of the Nile is grown in containers, it should receive liquid fertilizer once a week. When it's grown in a bed, you should fertilize it once in the spring, once in early summer and once in the fall.

Lily of the Nile blooms freely in pots and ground beds when they become crowded and it may stay in the same container or bed for years. However, the Lily of the Nile may be dug and divided anytime during the warm months... the best time is during August.

For more information on agapanthus contact your local county Extension office.