African Lily Agapanthus 'Blue Moon'

Water

The Lily of the Nile, or Agapanthus 'Blue Moon', should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water the plant once a week with about one gallon of water per session, depending on the size of the plant and pot. It's essential to reduce watering in the fall and winter months to prevent root rot. In cooler weather, allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Light

The Lily of the Nile thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. It prefers to be positioned in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, in excessively hot climates, providing some afternoon shade will protect the plant from scorching. Avoid deep shade, as insufficient light can lead to fewer blooms and weak growth.

Temperature

For the Lily of the Nile, the ideal temperature range lies between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth may slow down. The plant can survive temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's important to provide adequate watering and shading in higher temperatures to prevent heat stress.

Pruning

Pruning the Lily of the Nile helps to encourage new growth and improve the plant's overall health. Deadhead spent flowers after blooming to promote additional blooms and remove any damaged or diseased leaves as needed. Cut back foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to keep the plant tidy and rejuvenate it for the upcoming season. Pruning once a year is typically sufficient for maintaining a healthy plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

African Lily 'Blue Moon' thrives in well-draining, loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 8.0. A mixture containing two-parts loam, one-part sand or perlite, and one-part compost or aged manure will provide a nutritious and supportive environment for the optimal growth of African Lily 'Blue Moon'.

Repotting

Repot African Lily 'Blue Moon' every 2 to 3 years or when the root system outgrows the current pot. It is best done in spring before the growing season begins. If the plant is not root-bound, repotting can be done less frequently.

Humidity & Misting

African Lily 'Blue Moon' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in most home environments. There is no need for any special humidity considerations as long as the plant is watered properly and not exposed to extremely dry air.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place African Lily 'Blue Moon' in bright, indirect light.

• Outdoor

  Plant African Lily 'Blue Moon' in full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The African Lily 'Blue Moon' begins its life as a dormant rhizome or seed, which upon favorable conditions of warmth and moisture, will germinate and sprout. Seedlings first develop a rosette of strap-like leaves, which increase in number as the plant matures. Over time, when the plant is sufficiently mature and conditions are right (usually in its second year), it will send up a central flowering stalk typically in summer, displaying a cluster of blue to violet trumpet-shaped flowers. After blooming, these flowers may develop into capsule-like seed pods if pollination occurs. Post-flowering, the plant redirects energy to its rhizomes, which can expand to create larger clumps or be divided for propagation. Throughout the colder months, growth slows significantly, and in some climates, foliage may die back, with the plant entering a period of dormancy before the cycle begins anew with warmer weather.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Agapanthus 'Blue Moon', commonly known as the African Lily or Lily of the Nile, is through division. This should be done during the spring before the growing season starts, as the plant emerges from dormancy. To propagate through division, carefully lift the plant from the ground and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one or two healthy shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately, maintaining the same planting depth as before, and water thoroughly to establish the newly transplanted divisions. This method of vegetative propagation is not only efficient for increasing the number of plants but also helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become less vigorous over time.