African Lily Agapanthus Double Diamond = 'Rfdd' (PBR)
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ABOUT
The Agapanthus Double Diamond, known commonly as the African Lily or Lily of the Nile, is an ornamental plant famed for its striking blooms. It features lush, strap-shaped green foliage that provides a dense backdrop for its primary attraction—the flowers. The blossoms of Double Diamond are noteworthy for their unique form; they are double flowers, meaning they have extra petals that create a fuller, more luxurious bloom appearance. Each flower head consists of multiple individual florets that are pure white, providing a crisp, clean contrast with the deep green of the leaves. These blossoms are arranged in globular clusters and held high above the foliage on sturdy, upright stems, giving a visual impression of floating spheres of white when in full bloom. The extra petal layers give the flower heads a pom-pom-like effect, enhancing their ornamental value. This variety, with its double flowers, presents a more opulent and textured display than single-flowering types. Overall, the appearance of the Agapanthus Double Diamond is one of elegant beauty, with its combination of graceful leaves and the dazzling white of its doubled, star-shaped flowers. The plant is beloved by gardeners and landscapers for its sophisticated blooms that can create focal points in garden designs and add a touch of class to any setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Double Diamond Agapanthus, Dwarf African Lily.
Common names
Agapanthus Double Diamond = 'Rfdd' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
The Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile or African Lily, is not typically considered highly toxic to humans. However, all parts of the plant may contain compounds that can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. It is always advisable to handle plants with care and avoid ingestion, especially for children and vulnerable individuals. Symptoms of Agapanthus ingestion may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect poisoning, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
To pets
Lily of the Nile, also known as Agapanthus, is known to have mild to moderate toxicity to pets if ingested. It can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases may lead to drooling or abdominal pain for your pet. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of this plant, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian for guidance on how to proceed and whether any specific treatment is needed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Boasts showy clusters of white, double flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can cope with low water conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond the initial planting and occasional feeding or pruning.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers throughout the summer months, providing a lengthy display of blooms.
- Attracts Wildlife: The blooms can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Hardiness: Resistant to most pests and diseases, ensuring a strong and healthy growth with minimal intervention.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of settings, including borders, containers, and as accent plants in mixed beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: The Agapanthus Double Diamond's striking white flowers make it an excellent subject for botanical photography, creating high-contrast images in garden settings.
- Stormwater Management: Planted in rain gardens, the Agapanthus can help in absorbing excess rainwater, reducing runoff and aiding in groundwater recharge.
- Erosion Control: The root system of the Agapanthus can help stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion especially in landscaped areas.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for its edibility, the Agapanthus flowers can be used as a decorative garnish for salads and desserts in high-end culinary presentations.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the intricate shapes and pure white color of the Agapanthus Double Diamond flowers as inspiration for paintings, sculptures, and other art forms.
- Teaching Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach students about pollination, as it attracts a variety of pollinators.
- Dye Making: The sap and pigments found in the leaves and stems of Agapanthus can be used to create natural green dyes for fabrics or inks.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried Agapanthus petals can be used as an eco-friendly confetti alternative for events, decomposing naturally without harming the environment.
- Symbolic Gift: The Agapanthus can be given as a gift to symbolize love and appreciation since it has attractive blooms and is often seen as an upscale ornamental plant.
- Holiday Decorations: The flowers and foliage of Agapanthus Double Diamond can be incorporated into festive wreaths or floral arrangements for holidays and special occasions.
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: The name Agapanthus comes from the Greek words 'agape', meaning love, and 'anthos', meaning flower. The Agapanthus Double Diamond symbolizes a message of love or an expression of affection.
- Beauty: With its elegant white blooms, the Agapanthus Double Diamond is often associated with beauty and elegance, representing an appreciation for physical or inner beauty.
- Endurance: The robust nature of the Agapanthus plant, capable of thriving in tough conditions, symbolizes endurance and strength.
- Fertility: Because of its lush and vigorous growth, Agapanthus is sometimes connected to the idea of fertility and abundance.
WaterLily of the Nile, commonly known as Agapanthus 'Double Diamond', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, this might mean watering once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Ensure the plant receives a deep watering, which can be around 1 to 1.5 gallons, to encourage a strong root system. Reduce watering frequency in the winter when the plant is dormant. Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to root rot, so proper drainage is essential.
LightLily of the Nile prefers full sun to partial shade but flowering is best in full sun conditions. The ideal spot for this Agapanthus is an area where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. If you live in a particularly hot climate, providing afternoon shade will help protect the plant from intense heat.
TemperatureLily of the Nile thrives in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F; however, it can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F once established and with proper protection. The ideal temperature range for promoting growth and flowering in Agapanthus is between 60°F and 75°F. It is not frost-tolerant and should be moved indoors or protected during cold winter months if temperatures approach the lower end of its tolerance.
PruningPrune Lily of the Nile after flowering to remove spent flower stalks, which encourages new growth and possibly a secondary bloom. Cut back the foliage to about 3 inches above the ground in late fall or early winter to tidy the plant and prepare it for the next growing season. Pruning should be done annually for the health and aesthetics of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Agapanthus, commonly known as the African Lily, thrives in a well-draining soil mix with compost or organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 8.0 is ideal. Incorporate perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage, essential for preventing root rot.
RepottingAfrican Lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure they have enough room to grow. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one to allow for root expansion.
Humidity & MistingAfrican Lilies prefer moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate some degree of dry air but thrive best when provided with humidity levels around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place African Lily in bright, indirect light inside.
Outdoor
Grow African Lily in full sun to partial shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Agapanthus Double Diamond, commonly known as the African Lily, begins its life cycle as a seed which, upon germination, develops into a seedling with its first set of true leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a clump of strap-shaped, green foliage which is perennial in nature. After the establishment phase, the African Lily enters into a vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf and root growth, building up energy reserves in underground rhizomes. Once mature enough, usually during the summer months, it initiates its reproductive stage, producing tall, sturdy stalks topped with white, double-flowered blooms. Following pollination, if it occurs, the plant sets seed which can be dispersed to facilitate new plant growth. Finally, after flowering, the Agapanthus Double Diamond enters a period of dormancy during colder months, only to rejuvenate and start the cycle afresh in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Agapanthus Double Diamond, commonly known as Double Diamond Lily of the Nile, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method. This is best done in the early spring before the growing season or in the fall after the plant has finished flowering. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump from the ground with a shovel or garden fork, trying to keep the root ball intact. Once out of the ground, gently tease apart the roots and separate the clump into smaller sections, each with at least one growing point or shoot. These individual sections can then be replanted in a well-draining soil mixture, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. Water the new plantings well and continue to provide regular water until they are established.
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