Agapanthus aka Agapanthus

Taxonomy

Agapanthus, the only genus in the subfamily Agapanthoideae of the family Amaryllidaceae, is a group of plants native to Southern Africa. Also known as lily of the Nile or African lily, Agapanthus is not actually a lily. The name Agapanthus is derived from the Greek words "agapē," meaning love, and "anthos," meaning flower. These plants have become naturalized in various parts of the world, including Australia, Great Britain, Mexico, Ethiopia, and Jamaica. The number of recognized species in the genus varies from 6 to 10, with Agapanthus africanus being the type species. Many hybrids and cultivars have been developed and are cultivated in warm regions worldwide. In Northern California, Agapanthus can be commonly seen. These deciduous, clump-forming perennials have strap-shaped green leaves and sturdy stems that bear panicles of trumpet-shaped blue flowers with a darker mid-rib on each petal. Agapanthus is a resilient plant that can survive in drought conditions. Its evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves provide winter presence, while its blue or white flowers add vibrant color in mid to late summer. Native to dry outcroppings or moist mountain meadows of South Africa, Agapanthus thrives in full sun and well-draining soils.

Common names

Agapanthus, Midknight Blue Agapanthus

How to care for Agapanthus

Water

Agapanthus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Agapanthus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Agapanthus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Agapanthus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Agapanthus should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia