Agapanthus Cultivation

Site

• Lily of the Nile grows and flowers for many years, so it does best in a site where you don't have to disturb it. Avoid planting in heavy clay soil because these sites won't drain sufficiently and can cause rot issues. Working a 2-inch layer of compost into a well-drained bed further improves soil drainage and increases the nutrient qualities of the site. Lily of the Nile flowers best when it receives full, all-day sun, but it will still thrive with some afternoon shade.

Planting

• Spring, after the threat of frost has passed, is the best time for planting new lily of the Nile plants. Lily of the Nile grows from a tuberous root, called a rhizome. The top surface of the rhizome has small buds on it that will send up leaves. Set the rhizome in the soil so the top is 1/2 inch below the soil surface. Space plants 18 inches apart to give the plants room to spread so they don't become crowded too quickly.

Basic Care

• Moist soil results in healthy plants and lush growth. Lily of the Nile doesn't tolerate dry soil and requires weekly watering. Providing enough water to moisten the top 6 inches of soil, or about 1 inch of water, once weekly is usually enough, although the plants may require more frequent watering during hot weather. Lily of the Nile also benefits from the application of a 24-8-16 soluble fertilizer applied at two-week intervals from spring through midsummer. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of the fertilizer in 1 gallon of water and water every 10 square feet of garden bed with the solution. Check the fertilizer's instructions and dilution rates, as these vary among brands.

Division

• Lily of the Nile plants become crowded eventually and require division every seven to 10 years. You can divide the rhizomes at any time in summer, but you may sacrifice some blooms that year. Waiting until late summer allows you to enjoy the flowers for most of the season. When dividing, dig up the roots and cut them into 3- to 5-inch-long pieces, with each piece containing a leaf or growth bud and a section of roots. Replant the divisions at the proper depth and spacing in a suitable garden bed.