Lily-of-the-Nile

By Ms Sherry

Published: June 24, 2009

Agapanthus, also known by the exotic name lily-of-the-Nile, can be a difficult plant to grow in my climate zone, 7B/8A. The one pictured is my fourth attempt to grow this striking perennial. Thus far three that I have planted have succumbed, possibly due to my gardening techniques or the climate here in East Central Alabama. In New Orleans they grow like weeds; everybody has them in their yards. Up here I rarely see them. Agapanthus will grow in part to full sun; mine is in the morning sun. They do not require lots of water but are not drought tolerant. The deer have yet to make a snack on the electric blue blooms – but stay tuned. A nice layer of mulch over the winter will help to keep them warm. Agapanthus grows in clumps depending on your climate and the cultivar can be evergreen or
deciduous.  But the beautiful green, strap-like leaves will remain after the blooms have faded until the arrival of the first frost around here. The agapanthus above is ‘Storm Cloud’, now about 2 feet tall and deciduous. This photo was taken last week; agapanthus is a marvelous summer bloomer and the bright blue flowers add a marvelous spot of color to the landscape. A Master Gardener friend visiting here the other day said that ‘Storm Cloud’ might not grow here, but mine has been doing so for more than three years.

I am often hesitant to recommend a plant that is not completely bullet proof. However, in this case I say plant one; read up on the selection you choose to see if it is hardy in your area.  Agapanthus is so beautiful that it is well worth the effort. Perhaps, as in my case, it will not realize it is not supposed to do well here and will flourish.