The African lily originates from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, but is now grown in many other warm climates.
The African lily can also be grown in Denmark, just bring it inside during the winter. During the winter months, it should always be kept in a cool place.
It also grows best in a tub, pot or potted container (which is also practical when moving the lily).
Cultivation and care
- In winter (and spring) it is very important that it is not exposed to frost – cover it with spruce branches to protect it from the cold
- In addition, keep it in a bright and cool place during the winter months – optimally in the 3-5°C temperature range
- In spring, you can try moving it outside – and back inside again if there is frost. This will strengthen the lily's leaves
- You can also wait until the beginning of June, when there is no longer any danger of frost
- If outdoors, it's best to place it in a warm and sunny spot – preferably by a south-facing wall
- Indoors, the African lily thrives best in a pot, pot, tub, trough or similar. This is also practical when moving it outside in summer (and back inside in winter)
- When flowering in late summer, remove the wilted flower stalks
- Like other Agapanthus, the African lily does not tolerate too many transplants. With frequent replanting, the lily will typically skip flowering in the following summer
- The African lily is slightly more difficult to grow and care for compared to other Agapanthus species
Watering
- In winter, the African lily needs minimal water in the soil – therefore it should not be watered or placed in wet soil
- Requires moist soil from April/May – September/October
- In summer it should be watered regularly and abundantly. If it gets very hot, water daily
- Watering is gradually reduced after flowering in the fall (typically September/October)
Fertilization
You should fertilize the lily abundantly in summer (especially at the beginning of summer) and only reduce fertilization after flowering in September/October. You can start fertilizing already in the spring.
Fertilization is not necessary after flowering in autumn or winter.
Characteristics of the African lily
- Tuberous plant
- Flowers are funnel-shaped and 2.5-5 cm in diameter
- Flowers are arranged in large umbels with approximately 20-30 flowers in each
- Flower color is either light blue or white (or a shade in between the two – though white flowers are rare in nature)
- Leaves are narrow, oblong and arching, 10-35 cm long and 1-2 cm wide
- Flower stalks grow to 25-60 cm long
- African lilies can grow up to 90 cm tall, but are usually around 75 cm
Geographical distribution
The shield lily originates from the Western Cape Province of South Africa from the area around the Cape of Good Hope. The lilies grow from the Cape Peninsula to the small town of Swellendam – from sea level up to an altitude of 1000 meters. The area is characterized by mountainous terrain and the soil conditions are primarily acidic, sandy soil.
In other countries, wild African lilies thrive best in warm climates on riverbanks or around rivers and streams – places where the soil is sufficiently wet. Therefore, it only grows wild in subtropical climates where there is a mild winter.
History of the African lily
The African lily was described in 1679, when it was named Hyacinthus Africanus tuberosus, flore caeruleo umbellato – the name Agapanthus umbellatus (also used for the African lily) comes from this.
It was introduced to Europe in the 17th century as a decorative greenhouse plant.
Propagation of African lilies
African lilies are propagated in the fall (after flowering) or in the spring (when the tuber is divided). However, spring is preferable because the lily grows at this time of year. When dividing, care must be taken not to damage its roots.
African lilies can also be seed propagated.
Species and varieties
There are several varieties of the African lily:
- Albus (white flowers)
- Sapphire (blue flowers)
- Double Diamond (dwarf variety with bright white flowers and a yellow stem)
- Aureus (yellow stripes on the leaves)
- Peter Pan (grows about 50 cm tall and produces very large blue flowers)
- Variegatus (almost completely white leaves with green “bands”)
- And more…
There are also varieties with the following characteristics:
- Double-flowered
- Smaller flowers
- Larger flowers
There is some confusion about the Danish and Latin names for the different varieties, species and hybrids of the Agapanthus genus – and Agapanthus africanus is therefore often confused with other species of Agapanthus (especially Agapanthus praecox).
The name Agapanthus umbellatus is also a synonym for Agapanthus africanus – meaning it's the same plant.
Some experts believe that the species Agapanthus walshii is a subspecies of the African lily, although it has been considered a separate species in the Agapanthus genus.