Lily of the Nile Agapanthus 'Dartmoor'
ABOUT
Agapanthus 'Dartmoor', commonly known as the Lily of the Nile, is a striking ornamental plant celebrated for its lush foliage and captivating floral displays. It produces dense clumps of strap-shaped, vivid green leaves that gracefully arch outwards, creating a fountain-like effect. The leaves are glossy and create a lush backdrop for the spectacular blooms. The flowers of the Lily of the Nile are its most alluring feature. They appear atop tall, sturdy stalks that rise prominently above the foliage. The bloom consists of a large, rounded cluster, known as an umbel, which is made up of numerous smaller, trumpet-shaped flowers. Each of these delicate flowers typically comes in various shades of blue or purple, though some may exhibit hues of white. The florets have a subtle, graceful curve which lends an elegant appearance to the overall flower head. The blossoms of Agapanthus 'Dartmoor' are particularly dense and abundant, making each floral cluster look almost like a burst of fireworks. When in full bloom, the plant is a magnet for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding further life and interest to the garden. As an ornamental, the Lily of the Nile is prized for both its aesthetic appeal and ease of care, often featured in borders, as accent plants, or in container gardens. Its robust nature and ability to produce a show-stopping display of flowers make it a popular choice among gardeners looking to add a touch of drama and color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
African Lily, Lily Of The Nile, Love Flower
Common names
I cannot provide synonyms for Agapanthus 'Dartmoor' as it is a specific cultivated variety or cultivar name and cultivar names generally do not have scientific synonyms. The basic scientific name for its genus and species is Agapanthus africanus.
ToxicityTo humans
The Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile or African Lily, contains several toxic compounds that can be harmful to humans if ingested. The plant's sap and all its parts, especially the roots and leaves, may cause irritation and severe discomfort if eaten. Symptoms of poisoning by Agapanthus may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingesting this plant can also lead to dizziness or tremors. It's advisable for humans to avoid consuming any part of the Lily of the Nile and seek medical attention promptly if ingestion occurs.
To pets
The Agapanthus, widely known as Lily of the Nile or African Lily, is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. All parts of the plant, particularly the leaves and roots, contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms of Lily of the Nile poisoning in pets may consist of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible abdominal pain. In more severe cases, it might cause lethargy or tremors. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the African Lily, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Features striking purple-blue flowers on tall stems, adding visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water availability.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional feeding.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of surviving in cooler climates where many tropical plants cannot.
- Long Bloom Period: Produces flowers from late spring to early fall, providing consistent garden color.
- Attracts Wildlife: Draws in pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting the local ecosystem.
- Soil Versatility: Adapts to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions.
- Border and Container Plant: Suitable for use in garden borders and can thrive in containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Agapanthus, with its striking blooms, can serve as an ideal subject or background in garden photography and contribute to beautiful composition with its vivid colors.
- Dye Source: The deep blue or violet flowers can potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or art materials.
- Educational Resource: The distinct inflorescence and growth habit of Agapanthus 'Dartmoor' can be used as a teaching aid in botany and horticulture courses.
- Floral Crafts: The sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers make Agapanthus an excellent option for creating floral crafts like wreaths or dried flower arrangements.
- Pond or Pool Plantings: Because of their ability to tolerate moist soil, Dwarf Lily of the Nile plants can enhance the landscaping around water features, adding vertical interest and color.
- Gourmet Garnish: Though not widely recognized as edible, the flowers can sometimes be used as a decorative gourmet garnish for upscale dishes, subject to safety of the specific cultivar.
- Seasonal Celebrations: In regions where the flowering coincides with specific seasonal holidays, Agapanthus can be part of festive decor, either as cut flowers or potted blooms.
- Artistic Muse: The form and beauty of the Dwarf Lily of the Nile can serve as inspiration for artists, whether through direct botanical illustration or more abstract artistic interpretations.
- Ink Production: The pigments from the flowers may be used in the artisanal creation of inks for calligraphy or artwork.
- Culinary Presentation: Although not commonly consumed, the plant's large leaves can serve as a unique base for presenting appetizers or cheeses at culinary events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lily of the Nile is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lily of the Nile is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love Letters: Agapanthus, also commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is often thought to represent love letters or messages, owing to the plant's striking flower stalks that stand out in a garden much like a pen would on paper.
- Enduring Love: The tough nature of Agapanthus, which allows it to thrive with minimal care, is frequently seen as a symbol of enduring or everlasting love that can survive challenging conditions.
- Beauty: With its lush blue or purple flowers, Agapanthus is frequently associated with natural beauty, reflecting its showy blossoms that catch the eye of passersby.
- Fertility and Fecundity: As these plants produce a plethora of flowers, they can also be seen as symbols of fertility and fecundity, making them popular in gardens that aim to exude abundance and growth.
- Protection: Due to its usage in traditional medicine and sometimes being planted around homes, Agapanthus is sometimes considered a plant that offers protection or wards off evil spirits.
WaterLily of the Nile should be watered deeply yet infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In general, aim for about one inch of water per week, whether through rainfall or manual watering. During the peak growth season in spring and summer, ensure consistent moisture, especially in hotter climates. Over winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to once every couple of weeks, providing only enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightLily of the Nile thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows best with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, which encourages prolific flowering. If you live in a very hot climate, some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from intense, direct sunlight that could scorch the leaves.
TemperatureLily of the Nile prefers to grow in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F, which are ideal for robust growth. It can survive minor dips below this range, down to about 30°F, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the plant. During the winter, it's important to protect it from frost, especially in climates where temperatures frequently drop below the minimum threshold.
PruningPruning Lily of the Nile is mainly done to remove spent flower stalks and to tidy up the plant. Trim away the dead flower stems after blooming to encourage a second round of flowers. Additionally, cut back any damaged or dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This annual pruning keeps the plant looking its best and helps maintain its health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Agapanthus 'Dartmoor', or Lily of the Nile, the ideal soil mix should be rich, well-drained loam with organic matter. A blend of two parts loam, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure will facilitate drainage and fertility. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingLily of the Nile should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and prevent it from becoming root-bound. Repotting is best done in the spring before the growing season starts.
Humidity & MistingLily of the Nile prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to the average humidity found in most homes. It does not require any special humidity considerations as long as the soil moisture is maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lily of the Nile in bright, indirect light and rotate for even growth.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for Lily of the Nile.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleAgapanthus 'Dartmoor', commonly known as the Dartmoor Lily of the Nile, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in soil or it is propagated by division of congested clumps. The seeds germinate, typically in spring, developing into small seedlings with several strap-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a clump of evergreen leaves, and the roots establish a strong, fleshy rhizome underground. In the summer, tall flowering stalks emerge, producing globular clusters of blue or purple trumpet-shaped flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After flowering, seed pods may form, containing black seeds that can be dispersed, leading to new plant growth. Over time, older clumps can become overcrowded and may benefit from division to rejuvenate the plant and encourage more prolific flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Agapanthus 'Dartmoor', commonly known as the Lily of the Nile, is most readily propagated through division, which is best performed in the spring before the growing season commences or in the early fall after the plant has finished blooming. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep the root ball intact. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system along with several shoots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water thoroughly after planting to establish the new divisions. This method encourages a quicker bloom than seeding and preserves the characteristics of the parent plant.
