African Lily Agapanthus 'Castle of Mey'

Water

Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically amounts to watering once a week during active growth in the spring and summer. The amount of water needed will vary based on the size of the plant and environmental conditions, but as a general guideline, use about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session for a medium-sized plant. During the dormant period in fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every two to three weeks, making sure not to let the soil become completely dry for prolonged periods. Adjust watering based on rainfall, lessening the amount if natural precipitation is providing moisture.

Light

Lily of the Nile thrives in full sunlight to partial shade, making it versatile for different garden spots. The ideal location provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, which helps to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is a suitable spot, as it provides ample bright light. Avoid deep shade as this will reduce blooming and can lead to leggy, weak growth.

Temperature

Lily of the Nile prefers temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost, which can cause damage to the foliage and roots. For optimal growth, maintain a temperate climate with moderate warmth, avoiding extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which may cause stress to the plant.

Pruning

Prune Lily of the Nile after it has finished flowering, typically late summer or early fall, to keep the plant tidy and encourage new growth. Deadhead spent blooms by cutting back the flower stalks to the base to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. Every 3 to 4 years, in early spring, divide and cut back the foliage to rejuvenate the plant and promote vigorous growth. The best time for major pruning is when plants are not in bloom to avoid cutting away potential flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lily of the Nile, or Agapanthus 'Castle of Mey', thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining and fertile, with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A blend of two parts loam, one part perlite or sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure will create an optimal growing medium for this plant.

Repotting

Lily of the Nile should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure it has enough room to grow. The best time to repot is in the spring before it enters its active growing phase. However, since they bloom better when slightly root bound, make sure not to repot too frequently.

Humidity & Misting

Lily of the Nile prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels found in most homes. There is no need for additional humidity adjustments for this plant when grown indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and water when top inch of soil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade; protect from harsh midday sun.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The 'Castle of Mey' Agapanthus, commonly known as African Lily, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, typically requiring a warm temperature and moist soil conditions. As seedlings establish, they develop fleshy roots and strap-like leaves, forming a foliage clump. Over a few years, the plant matures and begins producing tall flower stalks, each topped with a spherical cluster of trumpet-shaped flowers, usually in shades of blue or purple, blooming through summer. After the flowering period, seeds are produced in pods that eventually dry and open to release the seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The African Lily may also be propagated vegetatively through division of the clump, allowing for quicker maturity compared to seed-grown plants. With proper care, Agapanthus 'Castle of Mey' can live many years, dying back to the ground in winter to emerge again in spring in regions with colder climates or remaining evergreen in milder areas.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Agapanthus 'Castle of Mey', commonly known as the African Lily, is most effectively propagated through division. This process is typically carried out in the spring, before the growing season begins. To propagate the African Lily by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground and gently separate the root cluster into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots attached. These sections can then be directly planted into well-draining soil, ensuring that the crowns of the divisions are just above the soil surface. Water the newly planted divisions adequately to help them establish. It is important to provide regular watering until the plant is well-rooted, but always avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.