Last updated on December 10th, 2024 at 06:26 am
How to care for Lily of the Nile Plants (Agapanthus). Also called the African Daisy. They are beautiful plants that do well where there is lots of humidity and rain. Long thick grassy-like spikes that look like Monkey grass. In the Southwest USA, they will also do well but you must water often. It is not a drought-tolerant plant. But do not over-water use a good drip system at about 15-20 every-other day during the hot summer months.
They are beautiful plants that produce bright blue flowers and a long 1-2 ft. green stem that will last a long time. Once the flower is spent you can cut it off to help produce more flowers. You can purchase them at most local retail nurseries. They come in containers ready for planting or in blub form.
It is a clumping plant meaning you cut back in late fall. This will leave a clump on the ground the root system is a rhizome and can be split in half or quarters to make new plants. However, best to wait until the last frost before splitting the rhizome. Water occasionally throughout the winter months to keep the root system alive. They start blooming right around early summer.
Where to place the Lily of the Nile Plant
They like full sun but will do nicely in partial shade. Place in the background of your garden with smaller perennials/annuals in the foreground. They like to be watered often, especially in and around the Southwest area. You can plant them in containers but they will do much better in the ground. Furthermore, the plant grows rapidly and will get root-bound quickly in a container.
Problems with the Lily of the Nile Plant
Slugs and snails are one big problem so it’s best to keep an eye out for these pests. Many gardeners who have lots of snails are usually overwatering or the plant is in too much shade,
Use Diatomaceous earth to keep these pests at bay. Diatomaceous earth is crushed up seashells and will shred hardshell insects and snails when they pass through. It is an organic product and will not harm pets or people.
Snails love beer you can pour a can of beer into a pan and leave it near the plants. The slugs and snails will dive in and drown. Many folks have tried this method with about half saying it works and the other half saying they are wasting beer!
Mealybugs and Aphids will attack this plant spraying with insecticidal soaps will normally work. Soaps will work but it will take several applications before you get results.
Neem oil will help keep snails away but will not kill them, however, it will kill Mealybugs and Aphids if applied correctly. Neem oil is organic but again, it needs to be applied several times before it works.
Agapanthus plants are susceptible to powdery mildew this is a fungus that produces a white powdery substance on its leaves. Caused by over-watering and too much shade. The best way to cure this fungus is to cut back about 1/4 of the way down then spray with a fungicide that contains copper or use Neem oil spray. Remember to clean your pruners before using them on other plants.
What to feed Agapanthus Plants
Feed these plants during the spring growing seasons typically around late April or May months. You will get more blooms with a fertilizer high in phosphorus level. It is normally the middle number on most fertilizers. Learn more about Fertilizers here – What is Fertilizer?
USDA zone 7-11
It is considered an Evergreen in USDA zones 8-11.
