Lily of the Nile Agapanthus 'Jodie'

Water

The African Lily, commonly known as the Agapanthus 'Jodie', thrives when watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically equates to once a week during the growing season. In hotter, drier climates, you may need to water twice a week, but always check the soil moisture first. Reduce watering in the fall and winter to every two or three weeks, allowing the soil to dry out more between watering sessions. When watering, apply water slowly and deeply, ensuring you wet the entire root zone. For an average-sized plant, use about half a gallon of water at each watering session to ensure adequate moisture penetration without waterlogging the soil.

Light

African Lily prefers a spot where it can receive full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. An east or west-facing window indoors or a sunny spot in the garden that gets some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates would be ideal. The plant's blooms are more prolific when it gets enough sunlight, so ensure good light exposure for vibrant flower production.

Temperature

African Lily can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature stays between 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Bring potted Agapanthus indoors if temperatures are expected to drop below this range.

Pruning

Prune African Lily to remove spent flower stalks and encourage new growth; do this by cutting the stalk at the base after the flowers have faded. In the spring, cut back any damaged or dead foliage to maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy growth. Annual pruning at the end of the blooming season ensures renewed energy for the next flowering period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Agapanthus 'Jodie', or Lily of the Nile, thrives best in a soil mix comprising of loamy garden soil, compost, and river sand to ensure good drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6 to 7 suits this plant well.

Repotting

Lily of the Nile should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent overcrowding and to replenish nutrients in the soil. This timeline might be shorter if the plant experiences rapid growth and roots become pot-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Lily of the Nile prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate the dryer conditions typically found in home environments. Extreme humidity is not necessary for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Lily of the Nile in bright, indirect light and away from drafts.

• Outdoor

  Plant Lily of the Nile in full sun to partial shade and protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Agapanthus 'Jodie', commonly known as African Lily, begins with germination, where the seed planted in well-draining soil and with adequate warmth will sprout into a seedling. The seedling gradually develops into a young plant with strap-like leaves, entering a vegetative stage where it focuses on growth and root establishment. As the African Lily matures, it enters the flowering stage in summer, characterized by tall stalks topped with clusters of trumpet-shaped blue or purple flowers. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers will produce seed pods that eventually dry and release seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. If conditions are unfavorable for seed growth, the plant can also propagate vegetatively through division of its rhizomes or offsets. Across the seasons, the plant will experience dormancy in colder months, with foliage dying back, before resuming growth in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Agapanthus 'Jodie', also commonly known as the African Lily, can be effectively propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time to divide and propagate is in the late spring or early fall when the plant is not actively flowering. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of the mother plant, taking care not to damage the roots more than necessary. Then, using your hands or a sharp knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the roots and at least one or two growing points or shoots. Replant these new divisions promptly into their new locations, spacing them about a foot and a half (approximately 45 centimeters) apart, and at the same soil depth they were previously. Water the newly planted divisions well to establish them, and they should take root and grow into new independent plants.