African lily 'Ballerina' Agapanthus 'Ballerina'

Water

The Lily of the Nile should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. During the growing season, watering once a week with about one to two gallons per plant is generally sufficient, depending on your local climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil from drying out completely. Cut back on watering in the fall to encourage dormancy, and during winter, water lightly every few weeks only if there has been no significant rainfall.

Light

Lily of the Nile thrives in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot would receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, if you live in an area with very hot summers, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from scorching.

Temperature

Lily of the Nile grows best in temperatures between 50°F and 90°F. They can survive brief dips down to about 20°F, but sustained cold below this temperature can damage or kill the plant. The ideal growing conditions for this plant are in areas with warm summers and mild winters.

Pruning

Pruning Lily of the Nile is mainly for aesthetic purposes and to remove spent flowers or dead foliage. Cut back flower stalks after blooms fade to encourage neatness and possibly a second bloom. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Agapanthus, commonly known as African Lily, thrives best in fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of approximately 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and some perlite or sand can create an ideal environment for 'Ballerina'. This soil mix will support its lush foliage and striking blue flowers, providing adequate nutrients and drainage.

Repotting

African Lilies, like Agapanthus 'Ballerina', should generally be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when they become root-bound. They prefer to be a little crowded, so repotting too frequently is not necessary. However, upgrading the pot size or dividing the plant during repotting can promote more vigorous growth and blooming.

Humidity & Misting

African Lilies, such as the Agapanthus 'Ballerina', are quite adaptable but prefer moderate humidity levels. Ensuring that the environment is not too dry can be beneficial, with a humidity level around 40-60% being suitable for most indoor conditions. They do not require excessively high humidity to thrive.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, shelter from strong winds, enrich soil, water well.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Agapanthus 'Ballerina', commonly known as Lily of the Nile, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in moist soil conditions, ideally in spring. The seedling emerges, developing roots and foliage as it matures into a vegetative state. Over time, it forms a clump of strap-like leaves and strengthens its root system, which is rhizomatous. As a perennial, Lily of the Nile enters a period of dormancy in the colder months, with growth slowing and above-ground foliage sometimes dying back. Upon return of favorable weather, typically in late spring or early summer, it enters the flowering stage where it produces tall stalks topped with globular clusters of blue or white flowers. After the flowering season, seeds can be produced and dispersed, or the plant can be propagated by division of the rhizomes to continue its cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Agapanthus 'Ballerina', commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is by division. This is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant begins active growth. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump from the ground using a spade, ensuring you get as much of the root system as possible. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with a portion of roots and shoots, using your hands or a sharp knife. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 46 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth room. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them in their new location.