Agapanthus africanus is found only in the Western Cape Province. The plants grow from the Cape Peninsula to Swellendam, from sea level up to 1000 meters, mainly in mountainous terrain in acidic sandy soil. They often grow between rocks and even in depressions on sheets of sandstone rock.
Agapanthus africanus also called as African lily, African Tulip, Abumon africanum, Agapanthus minor, Agapanthus tuberosus, Agapanthus umbellatus, Crinum africanum, Crinum floridum, Mauhlia africana, Mauhlia linearis, Mauhlia umbellate, Tulbaghia africana, Tulbaghia heisteri, Tulbaghia minor, is a species of the genus Agapanthus. This species was described by Johann Centurius Hoffmannsegg in 1824.
IDENTIFY AGAPANTHUS AFRICANUS PLANT
Agapanthus africanus is found only in the Western Cape Province. The plants grow from the Cape Peninsula to Swellendam, from sea level up to 1000 meters, mainly in mountainous terrain in acidic sandy soil. They often grow between rocks and even in depressions on sheets of sandstone rock.
It is a herbaceous, perennial, rhizomatous, evergreen plant which can grow up to 1 meter tall with long green leaves in the form of ribbon 20 to 35 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. These leaves can be up to 2 cm thick. Its roots are thick and tuberous. They are also numerous. It is often confused with Agapanthus praecox, which has a more deciduous and frost-resistant foliage, unlike Agapanthus africanus which has more persistent foliage and is sensitive to frost.
The flower stalks emerge during the summer, between June and August, sometimes September. These rigid stems, measuring 45 to 70 cm, carry at the top an umbel of blue flowers. The umbels contain between 50 and 100 flowers. The flowers are hermaphrodite and have 6 lobes.
AGAPANTHUS AFRICANUS PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Agapanthus africanus are difficult to grow. It is not suitable as a garden plant except in rockeries. The plant requires good lighting in the summer, with a lack of light, the flower stalks are extended, and they need support.
Temperature:
African lily need the average temperatures. In summer, the optimal temperature is at around 25 ℃. In winter a low temperature of 10-12 ℃ is desirable. The plants will not tolerate freezing weather for any length of time.
Substrate and growing media:
Agapanthus africanus are best grown in containers in a well drained, slightly acid sandy mix and appear happiest if pot bound. They seem to grow best in shallow containers.
Watering:
The plants should be kept well watered during the growing season to ensure success. A regular watering schedule should be followed during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. The plants should be watered when the top 8 cm of soil is dry. Water weekly in summer but in winter allow the soil; to dry off more between waterings.
Fertilizer:
African lily should be fertilized in early spring and this should continue until they bloom. The soil should be wet prior to the application of fertiliser. A selected fertiliser made for flowering bulb plants should be used. Follow the directions on the label according to the size of a planting site. Seedling and adult plants responded well to composted soil and application of a slow release fertilizer.
Propagation:
Agapanthus africanus can be propagated by fresh seed. The seed germinates best if sown in a well-drained seed mix and lightly covered. The seed trays should be placed on heated beds under a mist spray set for about 5 minutes twice a day. Germination takes place in 4-6 weeks and the trays should then be removed to a lightly shaded area. Good results will also be obtained when the trays are placed indoors or outdoors in light shade and watered twice a day, provided the day time temperature is higher than 18° C.
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