Lily of the Nile Agapanthus 'Strawberry Ice'

Water

The Lily of the Nile, commonly known as Agapanthus 'Strawberry Ice,' should be watered deeply to ensure the water reaches the root zone, approximately every one to two weeks depending on the climate and soil moisture levels; during hotter months, you might need to water more frequently. You should provide enough water to soak the soil to a depth of at least an inch. An established plant typically requires about 1 gallon of water per session. It's advisable to reduce watering frequency during the winter when the plant is not actively growing. Be careful to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Agapanthus 'Strawberry Ice' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal location for this Lily of the Nile is a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat stress. Avoid deep shade as it can hinder flowering and result in leggy growth.

Temperature

The Lily of the Nile prefers temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive brief periods of cold down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not frost-tolerant, so in regions where temperatures fall below freezing, it should be grown in containers and brought indoors or provided with protective mulch. The ideal temperature range encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering in this perennial.

Pruning

Prune your Lily of the Nile after flowering by deadheading the spent blooms to encourage additional blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. In late winter or early spring, cut back any damaged or old foliage to about 4 inches above the ground to make way for new growth. Pruning can be done annually, timing it with the end of the blooming cycle or with the seasonal transition to promote healthy and vigorous plants.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus 'Strawberry Ice') thrives best in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix of two-thirds loam and one-third perlite or sand would be ideal, as it provides the right balance of moisture retention and drainage. Adding compost or well-rotted manure will enrich the soil, benefiting the plant's growth and flowering.

Repotting

Lily of the Nile should be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring before the growing season starts, and this will give the plant room to grow and ensure it keeps flowering. Since Agapanthus can thrive with their roots somewhat crowded, don't rush to repotting too frequently.

Humidity & Misting

Lily of the Nile prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to different humidity conditions. It does not require high humidity, making it quite suitable for typical indoor environments. Aim for a humidity level around 40-50% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Give Lily of the Nile bright light, and water when soil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Place Lily of the Nile in full sun to partial shade, in rich soil.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

Agapanthus 'Strawberry Ice', commonly known as Lily of the Nile, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, germinates to sprout roots and shoots. As the seedling grows, it develops into a vegetative plant with strap-like leaves and establishes a robust root system. Following its vegetative stage, the plant enters its reproductive phase typically in the summer, producing tall flower stalks called scapes, which bear clusters of trumpet-shaped, light pink flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can disperse and lead to the growth of new plants. Once the flowering season ends, the plant goes into a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, where the foliage may die back and the plant conserves energy in its rhizomes. With the return of favorable conditions in spring, the plant breaks dormancy, initiating a new growth cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• Propogation: The Agapanthus, commonly known as the African Lily 'Strawberry Ice', is best propagated in the spring or early summer through division. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground using a spade, ensuring a good amount of root and shoots are included with each section. Gently pull apart the clumps of bulbs with your hands or cut them with a sharp knife if necessary. Each division should have at least one developing shoot and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to establish them in their new location. Division is the most popular method of propagation for this plant because it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and is a fairly quick method to obtain mature plants.