African Lily Flower

Botanical Name: Agapanthus africanus

Showy blue flower clusters topping the tall stems of African lily have captured gardeners' hearts for years. But did you know that you can grow this dazzling beauty indoors? African lilies grow wonderfully in containers.

Give your plant plenty of light. Some full sun is needed to make this beauty bloom. And when it does -- several flower stems will burst with clouds of blue-hued blossoms all summer. This garden favorite makes an ideal potted plant for the sunroom or any room that gets full sunlight. Turn the pot each week to give each side even light exposure.

 

Repot in spring only when necessary. This flowering plant blooms best when pot-bound, so keep the fleshy rhizome roots crowded in the container. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Overwinter A. africanus in a sunny window. Cut back on watering, but don't allow the soil to dry out. Stop fertilizing after flowering is over. In early spring, resume normal care.

If you've never grown African lilies, give them a try. Growing these tender perennials indoors is easy and, with good care, you'll enjoy their gorgeous flowers year after year.

African Lily Care Tips

Origin: South Africa

Height: 2-3 ft (60-90 cm)

Light: Full sun

Water: Water generously throughout the growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist. Water sparingly after flowering is finished. Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering.

Humidity: Average room humidity

Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-75°F/16-24°C. If you scoot your container to the patio or porch for the summer, don't worry -- it can take the heat. But bring it back indoors when the temperature drops...these tender perennials will only tolerate temps as low as 50°F/10°C.

Soil: Good-quality potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Divide plants in spring every 4 years or when needed. Sow African lily seeds in spring. Plants grown from seed may take 2 or 3 years to flower.