Little Galaxy Lily of the Nile Agapanthus

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

22-26 Inches

Mature Spread

24-28 Inches

Growing Zones

6 to 10

With a common name like Lily of the Nile, you would assume that this plant originates from along the banks of the Nile River. It does not, although it is native to South Africa. No matter what it is called, however, you will appreciate the beautiful indigo blue flowers and bright green strap-like leaves. It will quickly become a focal point in your informal garden. There are not too many bright blue flowers as prolific at blooming as this evergreen perennial! The Latin name for this lovely flower is agapanthus which means ‘love flower’. It is a member of the same plant family as the amaryllis and the daffodil. You will love this flower!

Native to South America, this evergreen has naturalized in many locations around the world including the United States. It is hardy in Zones 6-10 and is a heat lover. Along the Great Lakes in the Upper Midwest and down to the tip of Florida, then back to the West along the Southern coast, you will find these lovely plants thriving in the heat and humidity that their coastal proximity affords. In its native habitat it experiences hot sun and periods of intense rain. Once established in your garden, you will find that it may take a couple of seasons for it to reach its full potential, but once it does, stand back, as this plant spreads on fleshy rhizomes and will then create large clumps of brilliant blue.

Little Galaxy Lily of the Nile Agapanthus Care

Agapanthus enjoys rich, moist organic soil full of nutrients. It will, however, tolerate poor soils. Amend poor soils with composted organic matter, and apply a slow release fertilizer in spring and again in the fall (remember this is evergreen) for best results. Look for a fertilizer with a well balanced ratio, like a 10-10-10. Develop a regular water schedule when rainfall is less than optimal each week. It prefers a pH level of 6.2 to 6.5 and will tolerate plus or minus of this range. Plant in full sun for best performance. After three years you may want to dig up and divide the clumps to keep them under control.

Deadheading is not required although most gardeners prefer to do so to prolong the bloom season. Other gardeners prize the unique looking seed head that develops after the bloom decines and leave it for the interest it creates. Seeds from hybrids typically will not create replicas of the plant, so dividing the clumps is the best way to make more plants in your garden. As this is a warm season, heat loving plant, plan on mulching the root zone for the winter in cold climates for best results.

Little Galaxy Lily of the Nile Agapanthus Spacing

Space your plants about 24 to 28 inches apart as they grow up to 26 inches tall and 28 inches wide at maturity. Agapanthus pair beautifully with phlox, blooming about the same time, and both perennials will appreciate the air circulation that proper spacing will provide. Once the flowers fade, leave the strap-like leaves to be the solar collectors, storing up energy and sending it to the rhizomes to collect and utilize next spring for flowers. Agapanthus can be grown in containers and brought indoors for the winter in cold winter regions. Provide a bright light and a room temperature around 55-65 degrees F for best results. Water sparingly.