Agapanthus praecox aka Common Agapanthus

Taxonomy

Agapanthus praecox, also known as common agapanthus, blue lily, African lily, or lily of the Nile, is a popular garden plant found in Mediterranean climates worldwide. It is native to South Africa, specifically the Kwa-Zulu Natal and Western Cape provinces. This species has various local names such as agapant, bloulelie, isicakathi, and ubani. Most cultivated plants of the Agapanthus genus are hybrids or cultivars of Agapanthus praecox. It is categorized into three subspecies: subsp. praecox, subsp. orientalis, and subsp. minimus. This clump-forming perennial is evergreen and herbaceous, with narrow, strap-shaped green foliage that grows up to 80cm (32in) tall and spreads around 60cm (24in). In late summer, it produces hemispherical heads of clear blue, funnel-shaped flowers, reaching a diameter of 12.5cm (5in), on straight, green stems up to 1.5m (5ft) high. Unlike deciduous types, Agapanthus praecox is more frost tender and requires protection from winter frost, especially in colder regions. Agapanthus praecox is a variable species with open-faced flowers. It is a perennial plant with evergreen leaves measuring 2cm wide and 50cm long. Its inflorescence is in umbel form, and the flowers, which bloom in summer, can be blue, purple, or white. The plant produces capsules filled with fine black seeds, which should be kept cool in sand until sowing. The stem of Agapanthus praecox can grow up to one meter high, and its powerful roots are known to break through concrete. However, it is considered invasive in Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand.

Common names

Common Agapanthus, African Lily, Lily Of The Nile

How to care for Common Agapanthus

Difficulty

Caring for Common Agapanthus is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

Common 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

Common Agapanthus requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your African Lily is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Common Agapanthus to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Common Agapanthus should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia