The African lily, scientifically known as Agapanthus africanus, is an attractive perennial plant in the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). It is best known for its striking flower heads and decorative foliage.
Characteristics:
Growth form: Agapanthus africanus can reach a height of 60 to 120 cm. The plant forms dense clusters with long, narrow leaves.
Leaves: The leaves are narrow, lanceolate and can grow up to 50 cm long. They are green and form an attractive rosette.
Flowers: The flowers appear in large, spherical umbels on long stems. The flowers are usually blue or white, depending on the variety, and bloom from June to August. Each umbel can bear many individual flowers.
Location and care:
Light: African lilies prefer sunny to partially shaded locations. They need a lot of light for lush blooms.
Soil: They thrive best in well-drained, humus-rich soil. A slightly sandy or loamy soil is ideal.
Watering: During the growing season, the plant needs regular watering, but should not be left standing in water. During dry periods, additional watering is important.
Propagation:
Propagation is done by dividing the rootstocks or by seeds. When dividing, the plants should be divided in spring or autumn.
Use:
Ornamental plant: Agapanthus africanus is often used in gardens as an ornamental plant. It is well suited for beds, borders and as a solitary plant.
Potted plant: This plant can also be cultivated in pots and is ideal for terraces and balconies.
