Lily of the Nile Agapanthus 'Gold Strike' (PBR) (v)

Water

Lily of the Nile, or Agapanthus 'Gold Strike', should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic the natural rainfall pattern it would experience in its native environment. The plant prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season, typically spring and summer, water every 7 to 10 days, providing about 1 gallon of water per plant. Reduce watering in the fall and further in the winter to monthly intervals, or even less if it rains. It's essential to ensure the plant is not left in soggy soil, so well-draining soil is a must to avoid root rot.

Light

Lily of the Nile thrives in full sunlight for optimal growth and blooms. Situate the plant in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some partial shade, too little light may result in fewer flowers and leggy growth. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as insufficient light will negatively impact the plant's health and flowering capability.

Temperature

Lily of the Nile prefers temperate climates and typically does well in temperatures ranging from 50 to 90°F. The plant is hardy in zones 8-10 and can survive brief periods of cold down to about 25°F, though it will die back to the ground in freezing temperatures and return in spring. The ideal temperature for the plant is between 70 and 80°F during the growing season for best growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning Lily of the Nile helps to maintain its shape and encourages more vigorous blooms the following season. Deadheading spent flowers can promote a second bloom in late summer or early fall. Prune back the foliage to the ground in late fall or early winter after it has died back, which helps to tidy the plant and prevent fungal diseases. The best time for pruning is once the flowers have faded and the leaves begin to yellow or right before new growth starts in the spring.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lily of the Nile prefers well-draining soil with a loamy texture, enriched with organic matter. The best soil mix consists of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand for drainage. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Lily of the Nile should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and provide room for growth. Divide clumps if necessary during repotting to prevent overcrowding and to propagate new plants.

Humidity & Misting

Lily of the Nile thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to typical outdoor humidity. Indoor plants benefit from occasional misting if the air is too dry, particularly in heated indoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Lily of the Nile near a sunny window, and water regularly.

• Outdoor

  Plant Lily of the Nile in full sun to part shade and well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Agapanthus 'Gold Strike', commonly known as the Gold Strike African Lily, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil under full sun to partial shade conditions. Once the seedling emerges, it develops into a vegetative state characterized by strappy, green leaves with bold, creamy-yellow margins. The plant matures and enters the flowering stage during the summer months, producing tall stalks topped with rounded clusters of funnel-shaped, blue flowers. After blooming, the flowers may give way to seed pods if pollinators have visited, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in colder climates, or may remain evergreen in milder regions, where it conserves energy for the next growing season. With proper care, including division of crowded clumps every few years, the Agapanthus 'Gold Strike' can thrive and repeat this life cycle for many years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Agapanthus 'Gold Strike', commonly known as the African Lily, can be propagated by dividing its rhizomes, which is a popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The best time for this activity is early spring or after the plant has finished flowering in the late summer or early fall. To propagate, carefully dig up the clump of the plant, ensuring you take as much of the root system with you as possible. Gently separate the rhizomes, making sure that each division has at least one or two growing points or shoots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to establish them in their new location. This method allows gardeners to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent and it often rejuvenates older clumps that may have become too dense.