Lilies of the Nile are striking plants native to southern Africa. In colder climates, they make great container plants. The beautiful large umbels of up to 100 blue, purplish or white flowers appear in a funnel form on handsome clumps of strap-shaped leaves. There are both evergreen and deciduous types of agapanthus.
The agapanthus blooms in the summer, and prefers light afternoon shade, filtered light or full shade. It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with ample humus, but will tolerate most soils. Agapanthus prefers a spot sheltered from intense sun. Staking is not usually needed. Faded flowers should be removed regularly.
Fertilize annually at the beginning of the growing season and again after bloom. Slight root constriction reportedly encourages better blooms. They should be divided about every 6 to 7 years.
In Zone 8 and in colder northern climates, mulch agapanthus grown outdoors with several inches of leaves or straw and cover the foliage with an inverted basket weighted down with a brick for protection from frost damage on leaf tips.
If you choose to bring the plants indoors, deciduous ones will probably winter-over in a dormant state, watered infrequently in a cool but not freezing porch or garage. Evergreen varieties can grow in a bright but indirectly lit window indoors, if the room is not kept overheated or dry.
I have been guilty of placing them in a location with too much sun and they do not perform very well. The dark blue color of the bloom is just fantastic. This is one of my favorite plants.
Eloise Muxworthy, Smith County Master Gardener Intern
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
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