Bell Agapanthus Agapanthus campanulatus var. albidus

Water

The Agapanthus, commonly known as the African Lily or Lily of the Nile, prefers regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During active growth in spring and summer, water approximately once a week with about one gallon of water per plant, ensuring you are watering deeply to encourage root development. Reduce watering frequency to every two to three weeks during the dormant winter period, providing just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Adjust the watering schedule based on rainfall, and always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.

Light

African Lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of sunlight per day being ideal to encourage abundant flowering. The best spot for planting is one where they receive morning sunlight and some protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Avoid placing them in deep shade, as this will significantly reduce blooming and can lead to weaker plants.

Temperature

The African Lily is hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F, though it prefers to grow in warmer conditions. The ideal temperature range for the African Lily is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive short periods of colder weather but should be protected from prolonged freezes, so in climates with cold winters, consider mulching or bringing container plants indoors.

Pruning

Prune the African Lily to remove spent flowers and seed pods to encourage further blooming and to maintain plant appearance. Additionally, trim away any dead or damaged foliage as needed. The best time for pruning is immediately after the bloom period has ceased, which is typically in late summer or early fall.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for the Agapanthus, commonly known as the African Lily, should be rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A blend of two parts loam, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part well-rotted compost or peat moss will ensure proper drainage and fertility.

Repotting

African Lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years as they outgrow their containers. It's best to do this in the spring before the growing season begins to minimize stress on the plants.

Humidity & Misting

African Lilies prefer moderate humidity levels, but as outdoor plants, they are generally adaptable to the natural ambient humidity. Indoors, the typical room humidity should be sufficient, with no special requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place African Lily in bright, indirect light and maintain a consistent watering schedule.

• Outdoor

  Plant African Lily in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-11 USDA

Life cycle

Agapanthus campanulatus var. albidus, commonly known as the white bell agapanthus, begins its life as a seed that, once sown, germinates in the presence of adequate warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges with a set of initial leaves and will eventually develop a fleshy root system and produce strap-like foliage. The plant grows vegetatively for several years before reaching maturity, where it forms a cluster of leaves at the base and stores energy in its rhizomes. Once mature, usually after several years, it produces tall flowering stalks with clusters of bell-shaped white flowers during the summer months. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into seed capsules containing multiple seeds, which when mature, are released into the environment to begin a new cycle. In colder climates, the plant may die back to the rhizome in winter, but will regrow and continue its cycle with the onset of warmer spring temperatures.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The best time to propagate Agapanthus, commonly known as Lily of the Nile, is during the spring or early summer when the plant comes out of dormancy and begins active growth. The most popular method for propagating Agapanthus campanulatus var. albidus is by division. This involves carefully lifting the plant from the ground, using a sharp spade or knife to separate the clump into sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into a well-draining soil mix at the same depth they were originally growing. It's important to water the new divisions well to help establish them, providing an inch (about 2.5 centimeters) of water per week if there isn't sufficient rainfall.