African lily 'Blue Ice' Agapanthus 'Blue Ice'

Water

Lily of the Nile should be watered once a week, ensuring the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, you might need to water it twice a week, depending on the climate. Each watering should be deep enough to soak the soil around the root zone, which typically requires about 1-2 gallons for outdoor plants, depending on size. During the winter months, reduce watering to every other week as the plant's growth slows down. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.

Light

Lily of the Nile thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal blooming. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates, as it can help protect the plant from intense afternoon heat.

Temperature

Lily of the Nile can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best when the temperatures are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but it should be protected from frost, which can damage the plant. The maximum temperature should not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods, as this can stress the plant.

Pruning

Lily of the Nile should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and to tidy up the plant, which encourages new growth and more blooms. The best time to prune is after the flowering has finished, usually in late summer or early fall. Cut the flower stalks down to the base, and remove any dead or damaged leaves. Pruning can be done annually or as needed when the plant begins to look untidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Lily of the Nile ('Blue Ice') should be well-draining, fertile, and loamy, with the ability to retain some moisture. A mix of two parts loam to one part sand and one part compost or well-rotted manure is ideal. The preferred soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Lily of the Nile ('Blue Ice') should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring, just before the active growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

Lily of the Nile ('Blue Ice') prefers average household humidity levels. There is no need for high humidity; maintaining levels between 40% and 60% is typically sufficient for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and room for growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny spot, ensure good drainage, and protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Agapanthus 'Blue Ice', commonly known as the African Lily or Lily of the Nile, begins its life cycle when a seed is sown or a rhizome is planted in well-drained soil. After germination, the plant produces strap-shaped, green leaves and establishes a strong root system. As it matures, it develops tall, sturdy stems that bear spherical clusters of trumpet-shaped, blue and white flowers during the summer months. After the flowering period, the plant sets seed which can be collected for propagation or left to self-seed in suitable climates. Throughout the year, as part of its perennial growth habit, the African Lily enters a period of dormancy in colder climates where it dies back to the rhizome before re-sprouting in the spring. Over time, the rhizome can be divided to propagate new plants and rejuvenate older clumps that have become too dense.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Agapanthus 'Blue Ice', commonly referred to as African Lily or Lily of the Nile, can be propagated most successfully through division, which is best carried out in late spring or early fall. To propagate by division, you carefully remove the plant from the ground or pot, shake off the excess soil, and gently separate the clump into smaller sections ensuring that each new section has at least one or two shoots and a portion of the root system attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing. It is important to water the newly planted divisions thoroughly, using approximately 1-2 gallons (3.8-7.6 liters) of water, to help establish them. This method allows for new plants that are genetically identical to the parent and will typically flower in a year or two following division.