Lily of the Nile Agapanthus 'Sandy' (PBR)

Names

• Family

  Amaryllidaceae

• Synonyms

  African Lily, Lily of the Nile

• Common names

  Agapanthus 'Sandy' (PBR)

Toxicity

• To humans

  Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, all parts of the plant contain sap that can cause skin irritation and upset stomach if ingested. Symptoms of mild poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to handle the plant with care and avoid ingestion.

• To pets

  Lily of the Nile is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, it can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, symptoms could escalate to tremors or heart issues. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent any accidental ingestion.

Characteristics

• Life 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

General Benefits

• Attractive Flowers: The Agapanthus 'Sandy' (also known as the African Lily) produces beautiful blue or violet flowers that add color and visual interest to any garden.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, the African Lily is relatively drought tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for gardeners seeking low-water plants.
• Long Blooming Season: With a long flowering period from mid-summer to early fall, the plant offers extended beauty in the landscape.
• Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for both novice gardeners and those with limited time for gardening.
• Attracts Pollinators: The blooms of Agapanthus 'Sandy' attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, supporting local ecosystems.
• Suitable for Containers: It is well-suited for container gardening, allowing versatility in placement and the ability to grow it even in small spaces or on patios.
• Architectural Appeal: The plant’s strappy leaves and tall flower stalks provide an architectural element which can be used to create focal points in garden designs.
• Perennial Growth: As a perennial, the African Lily will return year after year, reducing the need for replanting and providing lasting value.
• Resistant to Pests: It exhibits resistance to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and creating a more sustainable garden environment.
• Deer Resistant: The plant is known to be unattractive to deer, which can benefit gardeners in areas where deer browse on garden plants.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Agapanthus 'Sandy' can be used in dye production, with its blooms contributing to natural dye shades ranging from blues to purples, depending on the mordant used.
• In floral photography, the striking blue to violet hues of Agapanthus 'Sandy' provide striking subjects for macro photography, elevating the aesthetic appeal of photo collections.
• In eco-printing, a process where plants are used to leave direct impressions on fabric, Agapanthus 'Sandy' can leave interesting shapes and colors when used on textiles.
• The tall and sturdy flower stalks can be utilized in the art of flower pressing, their unique shapes creating impressive silhouettes on pressed flower artworks.
• As a source of food for hummingbirds and butterflies, Agapanthus 'Sandy’'s nectar-rich flowers can attract these pollinators to gardens for observation and photography.
• The flower's seed heads can be incorporated into dry flower arrangements or used as a natural addition to wreaths and other rustic craft projects.
• Agapanthus 'Sandy' can serve as a natural pest deterrent when strategically planted; its sap has been known to repel certain types of deer and rodents that avoid its taste.
• In landscape design, Agapanthus 'Sandy' can be used to create impressions of water with its blue-toned flowers, especially in rock gardens that mimic the flow of a stream.
• The robust roots of Agapanthus 'Sandy' may be utilized in soil stabilization projects on slopes or in areas prone to erosion, to help hold the soil together.
• As a subject for botanical illustration, the plant offers complex structures and vibrant colors that serve as an excellent study for artists focusing on botanical accuracy.

Feng Shui

The Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love Letters: The Agapanthus, commonly known as the African Lily, is often seen as a symbol of love and can be likened to a love letter due to its delicate and bountiful blooms that have a poetic flow and grace.
• Enduring Love: With its sturdy stems and lush, rounded flower heads, the African Lily can symbolize the endurance and constancy of love, signaling a relationship that is resilient and long-lasting.
• Fertility: The prolific nature of its flowering can symbolize fertility and abundance, making it a common gift for those wishing to start or celebrate the growth of their families.
• Beauty: The striking appearance of the African Lily's blue, violet, or white flowers makes it a symbol of beauty and elegance, often used in gardens and bouquets to create an atmosphere of sophistication.
• Freedom: Some view the African Lily as symbolizing freedom due to the way the flowers freely bloom and open to the sky, representing an unrestrained spirit and openness to the world.