Agapanthus, African Lily, Lily-of-the-Nile

Agapanthus praecox Willd. subsp. orientalis (F. M. Leighton) F. M. Leighton

ag-ah-PAN-thus PRE-cox subspecies ore-ee-en-TAY-lis

Liliaceae

Explanation of name: From Greek agape, love, and anthos, flower (BAC). Praecox signifies early-flowering. Orientalis means eastern.

Synonym: Agapanthus umbellatus L.’Her. The species definitions within Agapanthus are interpreted differently and confusingly by different authorities. We follow HUX as a recent treatment of the cultivated species. There are many cultivars, and their specific identities are often muddled.

Natural Range: Southern Africa (not the Nile Region)

Recognition: Tuberous-rootstock, large, umbellate lilies with leaves to 2’ long and the flowering stalk to 3’ long (BAC). Flowers usually blue (violet or white in some cultivars), funnelform, to 2” long (BAC). Highly variable with numerous cultivars, including giant, dwarf, white-flowered, violet-flowered, double-flowered, and variegated selections.

Landscape uses: Bedding plants and space fillers offering bluish summer flowers in sunny spots, popular in roadway medians.  Fertilize during active growth.  Flowers best, according to MCS, when roots are crowded.