Washington State University
WSU Clark County Extension
PNW Plants
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Lily of the Nile
Scientific name: Agapanthus orientalis
Taxonomy
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Type:
Bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes
Native:
NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:
7 to 11
Sun:
Full to partial sun
Moisture:
Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:
5 ft
Width:
2 ft
Bloom:
Summer flowers
Bloom Time:
June to August
Bloom Color:
Blue
Additional Characteristics
Trees
Small lot suitable
Flowering tree
Safe for beneath power lines
Fruit
Showy
Edible
Leaves
Good Fall color
Leaves fragrant
Gold foliage
Evergreen
Bark
Showy
Wildlife value
Attract hummingbirds
Attract butterflies
Attract birds
Poisonous
Foliage
Fruit
Description
Lily of the Nile is a South African native plant that forms clusters of blue or white flower heads that resemble firework displays during the summer months.
Morphology
:
Lily of the Nile, also known as Agapanthus or African Lily, is classified as a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial that forms large clusters (umbels) of blue, funnel-shaped flowers (2” long) atop a long stalk from June through August. Each umbel may consist of 40-100 individual flowers. Each flower consists of 6 petal-like parts. This species typically grows to height of 4’-5’ and a width of 1’-2’. Leaves form at the base of the plant. They are 1’-2’ long, 3” wide, and light green in color. There are also cultivars of Lily of the Nile that bear white flowers.
Adaptation
:
African Lily prefers full sun to half shade. During hot weather it needs regular watering. It will grow well in a wide array of soil types, though it prefers ones which are rich in organic matter. New plants should be set out at a spacing of 1’-2’.
Care should be taken in handling Agapanthus as all parts are considered poisonous if ingested. Skin irritation or allergic reactions have also been found.
The flower stems are excellent for cut flowers. Gardeners often set out a mass planting of Agapanthus.
Pests
:
None reported if grown in sunny, well drained site. Watch for slugs and snails in a shady spot.
Images
Flower head
Flowers and leaves
