African Lily - Tuber

Agapanthus tubers can be planted in the garden in the spring in a well drained spot, or in pots Beware of late frosts. The tubers should be planted at a depth that is twice as deep as the size of the tuber – so a 5 cm tuber goes in a 10 cm hole and approximately 20 cm apart. Loosen the soil with a fork, plant the tubers with the roots pointing down and cover with soil. The elegant flowers look their best when planted in groups of at least 3 tubers.

The Lily of the Nile will thrive well in a pot in a warm, sheltered spot. Plant at least 3 tubers in a large planter for a spectacular show. It will however flower best in a pot that is on the small side although clay pots can actually crack with the growth of Agapanthus tubers – if this happens pot up in one that is only slightly larger. Replant every 4 or 5 years at the most.

Originally from South Africa, the Lily of the Nile has its own family (Agapanthaceae) which is a close relative of the lily.

Water your Agapanthus regularly (summers too) just not too much as the surrounding soil can be allowed to dry out a little between watering. For a profusely flowering Agapanthus, we advise using fertiliser pellets in the early spring, then a change to Bakker's Flowering Plants fertiliser – one rich in potassium – which will really stimulate flowering a lot. The Lily of the Nile prefers to be left alone – only replant if absolutely necessary and you will be rewarded with even more Agapanthus tubers! Water sparingly in the autumn.

The tubers of the Agapanthus are not frost hardy, but are fairly easy to keep over the winter: give it less water during the autumn and place the pot in a cool frost-free area in a temperature between 1 and 5° C. During this period let the soil dry out (but not completely). Once the leaves are visible they can be watered more often. At this stage add fertilizer to the water when watering. After the frosts your Agapanthus can be put outside on the patio or decking to let it get used to the outdoor temperature.