African Lily Agapanthus Headbourne hybrids
ABOUT
The Agapanthus Headbourne hybrids, widely known as Lily of the Nile, showcase a striking appearance with a luscious clump of strap-shaped, semi-evergreen foliage that forms a dense, attractive mound. The leaves are glossy and arching, providing a lush and vibrant green backdrop for its distinctive flowers. The most captivating aspect of the Lily of the Nile is its array of stunning, globular flower clusters, which bloom atop long, sturdy, and upright stems that rise elegantly above the foliage. These enchanting spheres are a collage of numerous small, trumpet-shaped flowers, often in shades of deep blue, violet, or white. The bright and bold colors add a dramatic splash to any garden, and the flowers are known to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding to the dynamic and lively visual effect. The overall appearance of the Lily of the Nile is sleek and architectural, with its fountain of green leaves and the fireworks-like burst of flowers, which lend an exotic and tropical flair to temperate garden landscapes. The beauty and structure of the Lily of the Nile make it a popular and favorite ornamental plant among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
African Lily, Lily of the Nile, Love Flower
Common names
Agapanthus Headbourne hybrids
ToxicityTo humans
The Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant, particularly the sap, can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin contact with the sap may also cause irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Care should be taken to avoid ingesting the plant or allowing its sap to come into contact with skin or eyes.
To pets
Lily of the Nile or Agapanthus is considered mildly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If ingested, the plant can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. The plant contains substances that can potentially irritate the pet's mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Although death from ingestion is rare, it is advisable to keep pets away from this plant and seek veterinary attention if they consume any part of it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Agapanthus Headbourne hybrids, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, feature striking blue or white flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought resistance: These plants are known for their ability to withstand dry conditions once established, making them suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Lily of the Nile generally requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners looking for plants that do not need a lot of attention.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of the Lily of the Nile attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Long blooming period: These hybrids tend to have a lengthy flowering season, ensuring colorful blooms throughout the summer months.
- Container gardening: They are suitable for pots and containers, providing flexibility for those with limited garden space or who prefer container gardening.
- Deer resistance: Lily of the Nile is typically resistant to deer, which can be an important feature for gardeners in areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Tolerance of various soils: While they prefer well-drained soil, these plants are adaptable to a range of soil types.
- Coastal gardening: The plant is tolerant of coastal conditions, including salt spray, making it a good choice for seaside gardens.
- Border and mass planting: Their clumping growth habit and striking flowers make them excellent for use in borders and mass plantings for visual impact.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral arrangements: The striking blue or purple flowers of the Agapanthus are popular in cut flower arrangements and can provide a vibrant and sculptural element to bouquets.
- Garden Borders: The Agapanthus is commonly used in garden design as a border plant, offering a lush, green backdrop for other flowering plants.
- Poolside Landscaping: The plant's tolerance for drought and reflective beauty makes it a suitable choice for decorating around swimming pools.
- Erosion Control: The Agapanthus has a robust root system that helps to stabilize soil on slopes and can be used for erosion control in landscaped gardens.
- Coastal Gardens: Being salt-tolerant, it is an ideal plant for coastal gardens and can thrive in seaside conditions where other plants may struggle.
- Container Gardening: Agapanthus can be grown in containers where garden space is limited, such as balconies or patios, adding a touch of color to the urban environment.
- Dye Production: Although not commonly known, the flowers of the Agapanthus can be used to create a natural blue or purple dye for fabrics or art projects.
- Dry Gardens: It is well-suited for xeriscaping or drought-resistant gardening practices, requiring minimal water once established.
- Theme Gardens: Agapanthus can be included in 'blue' themed gardens, which feature plants with blue flowers or foliage, to create a cooling effect in the landscape design.
- Ink Production: The sap of Agapanthus flowers can potentially be used to make a natural plant-based ink for writing or drawing.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love Letters: Agapanthus, often known as the 'African Lily,' is associated with love letters, stemming from the Greek words 'agape' meaning love and 'anthos' meaning flower. It signifies the sending and receiving of secret messages between lovers.
- Enduring Love: The African Lily's strong stalks and vibrant blooms represent the durability and endurance of love, often given between couples to symbolize a strong and lasting relationship.
- Beauty: With its striking and beautiful blue to violet flowers, Agapanthus is symbolic of beauty and admiring someone's attractiveness and unique qualities.
- Fertility: The prolific nature of the plant’s blooming can symbolize fertility or abundance in many cultures, representing the creation of life and new beginnings.
- Prosperity: The lush foliage and bountiful flowers of the African Lily are also associated with prosperity, indicating growth, wealth, and success in one's life.
WaterLily of the Nile should be watered regularly and deeply to encourage deep root growth, especially during the growing season. They typically need watering once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not soaking wet. Provide them with about 1-1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. During the winter months when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks, or whenever the soil has dried out completely. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
LightLily of the Nile thrives in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. They perform best when they get at least six hours of sunlight daily, preferring direct morning light with some protection from the harsh afternoon sun. An ideal location would be a place that offers bright but indirect light during the hottest part of the day, particularly in regions with very hot summers.
TemperatureLily of the Nile prefers moderate to warm temperatures, thriving in a range between 60°F to 80°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F but should be protected from frost. In regions where temperatures drop below this range, it's essential to mulch the base of the plant or bring container-grown specimens indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures.
PruningPruning Lily of the Nile should be done to remove spent flower stalks and to tidy up the plant by removing old or damaged leaves. Pruning is best carried out immediately after flowering has finished, which usually occurs in late summer or early fall. Cut the flower stocks down to the base of the plant and remove any leaves that are yellowing or damaged. Regular pruning promotes healthy growth and encourages more blooms for the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is a well-draining, loamy soil with added compost or aged manure to provide nutrition. A soil pH between 6.0 to 8.0 is ideal for these plants, leaning towards slightly acidic to alkaline conditions.
RepottingLily of the Nile should typically be repotted every 2 to 4 years, as they are not fast growers. Repotting is best done in the spring before new growth begins, and it's important to divide clumps if they become too crowded.
Humidity & MistingLily of the Nile prefers moderate humidity levels, as it is originally from South Africa where conditions can vary. However, they are adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity levels as long as they are not too extreme.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh frost.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleAgapanthus, commonly known as the Lily of the Nile or African Lily, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germinating develops into a seedling with primary leaves. As it matures, the seedling grows into a vegetative phase with strap-like leaves forming dense clumps. These clumps expand through rhizomatous roots, and after a few years, the mature plant starts producing tall flower stalks in summer, topped by clusters of blue or white trumpet-shaped flowers. After blooming, seed pods may form, and when they dry, they release seeds to initiate a new cycle. In colder climates, the plant may die back to the ground in winter, but the roots survive and new growth emerges in spring. Agapanthus are perennial plants, living for many years and going through repeated flowering cycles, sometimes requiring division to maintain vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method for propagating Agapanthus Headbourne hybrids, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is by division. This is best done in the spring before the growing season starts or in the fall after the flowers have died back. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground and use a sharp knife or spade to divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least one or two growing points or shoots. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This process not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become too large or crowded.
