Lily Of The Nile
Agapanthus africanus
- Native to:
- South Africa
Source: Wikimedia | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 | Artist: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Lany_pirna" title="User:Lany pirna">Lany pirna</a>
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaryllidaceae
- Genus:
- Agapanthus
- Species:
- Agapanthus africanus
- USDA Symbol:
- AGAF
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, white
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes after fire, common in fire-prone fynbos habitats. Benefits from periodic burning in natural range.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky, mountainous regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 21–60 days
- Notes:
- Fresh seed germinates best at 15-20°C. Light aids germination but is not essential. Seeds lose viability rapidly if stored improperly.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI