African Lily Agapanthus 'Northern Star' (PBR)
ABOUT
Agapanthus 'Northern Star' is a striking perennial known commonly as Lily of the Nile or African Lily. The base of this plant features clumps of strap-like, glossy green foliage that provide a lush backdrop for the real showstoppers, the flowers. During blooming season, typically in summer, it produces impressive spherical clusters of deep blue, trumpet-shaped flowers. These blossoms are perched atop tall, sturdy stems that rise gracefully above the foliage. Each flower cluster is an umbel composed of multiple individual blooms, creating a starburst-like effect that is quite eye-catching. The flowers are also adorned with a captivating dark stripe down the center of each petal, adding contrast and detail to the display. Lily of the Nile tends to be evergreen in milder climates, providing year-round interest even when not in bloom. Overall, the presentation of Agapanthus 'Northern Star' is elegant and colorful, making it a popular choice for adding vertical interest to garden beds and borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
African Lily, Lily of the Nile, Love Flower.
Common names
Agapanthus 'Northern Star' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, contains toxic substances that can be harmful if ingested. The plant's sap and all its parts contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. If ingested, Agapanthus can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, it may also result in abdominal pain. It's important to handle this plant with care and to keep it out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest it.
To pets
Lily of the Nile is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The plant contains substances that can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In severe cases, ingestion of Agapanthus may also lead to tremors or cardiac issues. Because of its potential toxicity to pets, it is advisable to plant Agapanthus in areas where pets do not have access or to keep pets supervised around the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
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: Agapanthus 'Northern Star' is valued for its striking blue-violet flowers that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: It can withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for dry climate gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: The Northern Star blooms throughout the summer months, providing an extended period of visual interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are beneficial for garden health and biodiversity.
- Container Gardening: It can be grown in pots or containers, making it versatile for patios, balconies, and small spaces.
- Resilient: It is resistant to many pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy plant with less need for chemical interventions.
- Border Plants: Their structured form and height make them ideal for use as border plants or in garden beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floristry: Agapanthus can be used in floral arrangements due to their striking and long-lasting flowers, which can add both height and a splash of color to bouquets.
- Natural Dyes: The flowers of Agapanthus can be used to produce natural blue or purple dyes for textiles and craft projects.
- Photography Subject: Due to their attractive flowers and overall structure, Agapanthus plants serve as excellent subjects for botanical photography, including close-up images that capture the intricate details of their blossoms.
- Edging Plants: Agapanthus 'Northern Star' can provide a neat border along pathways or beds with its uniform growth habit and lush foliage.
- Garden Sculptures: The architectural form of Agapanthus can be trimmed and maintained as part of a sculptural garden display or topiary.
- Erosion Control: Their dense root system can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion in gardens and landscaped areas.
- Theme Gardens: Agapanthus can be included in ocean-themed or blue color-themed gardens for a cohesive visual impact.
- Biomimicry Studies: The unique flower structure of Agapanthus may inspire designs in the field of biomimicry for engineering and architecture.
- Cultural Symbol: In certain communities, Agapanthus might be used during festivals or celebrations as a symbol of love and fertility due to its lush and vibrant blooms.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Agapanthus as a muse for various forms of art such as painting, sculpture, or even fashion design, taking inspiration from its form and color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Agapanthus, commonly known as 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" is derived from the Greek words 'agape' (love) and 'anthos' (flower). Hence, it is often associated with love and can symbolize a love letter or a message from the heart.
- Beauty: With its striking blue or purple flowers, Agapanthus is often associated with beauty and seen as a representation of beauty in the plant world.
- Endurance and Longevity: Agapanthus plants are known for their tough nature and ability to thrive in difficult conditions. Therefore, they often symbolize endurance and longevity.
- Fertility: In some cultures, due to its lush and prolific blooming, the Agapanthus can symbolize fertility and abundance.
- Home and Hearth: The fact that the Agapanthus (commonly known as 'African Lily') is a popular garden plant makes it represent a symbol of domesticity and creating a welcoming home environment.
WaterAfrican lilies should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the active growing season, this might mean watering approximately every week with about 1 gallon of water for outdoor plants and less for container plants, typically around 16-32 ounces depending on the size of the container. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, as the plant prefers drier conditions when dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
LightAfrican lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for bright, indirect sunlight. The best spot for this plant is in a location where it will receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Avoid intense midday sun, which can scorch the leaves, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureAfrican lilies can tolerate a range of temperatures, but ideal growth occurs at temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive brief periods of colder temperatures down to around 50°F, but should not be subjected to frost conditions. Protect them from extreme cold and heat by placing them in a sheltered spot.
PruningPruning African lilies encourages healthy growth and more vigorous flowering. Deadhead spent flowers to promote additional blooms and cut back foliage after it has died back in the late fall. Pruning is best done after the flowering season, typically in early fall or when the flowers are spent.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus 'Northern Star') should be well-draining and fertile, with a mixture of loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0, is ideal for optimal growth.
RepottingLily of the Nile (Agapanthus 'Northern Star') should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the root system has outgrown its current pot, usually observable by roots emerging through the drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingLily of the Nile (Agapanthus 'Northern Star') prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity adjustments in typical household environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and rotate for even growth.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from frost and harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Agapanthus 'Northern Star', commonly known as Lily of the Nile or African Lily, starts its life as a seed that germinates in warm, well-drained soil. Once sprouted, the seedling grows into a clump-forming perennial with strap-shaped, green leaves. As it matures, the plant develops long, stiff stalks that bear rounded clusters of star-shaped flowers, typically blooming in summer. After flowering, seed pods may form, which then dry and release seeds, continuing its reproductive cycle. Throughout the year, Agapanthus 'Northern Star' undergoes a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, where it dies back to its root system before re-emerging in the spring. With proper care, including full sun exposure, and adequate water, it can live for several years, gradually expanding in clump size and flower production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Agapanthus 'Northern Star', commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is best propagated through division, ideally in the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most active. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of Agapanthus, ensuring that you have a large enough root ball. Then gently separate the rhizomes by hand or with a knife, ensuring that each division has at least one or two growing points which are shoots or leaves. Replant each division promptly, spacing them about a foot (approximately 30 centimeters) apart, at the same depth they were growing before. Water them in well after planting to help establish the new divisions. Regular watering and a sunny to a partially sunny location will encourage strong growth and successful establishment of the newly propagated plants.
