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Lily of the Nile

Agapanthus praecox
Lily of the Nile
Forest and Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0 · resized

Long strap-shaped leaves and round heads of blue or white trumpet flowers on tall stalks.

Find its rhythm

Light

Sun for much of the day

Water

Check root-zone moisture frequently in containers; water as the surface starts drying and allow drainage. Start with a soil check every 3 days and adjust for your conditions.

Care through the seasons

Soil & drainage

Use a draining potting mix; avoid compacted or continually saturated soil.

Climate

Check local frost tolerance and give flowering plants enough room for airflow.

Seasonal care

Flowering and dormancy depend on climate. Increase moisture checks during hot or windy weather.

Feeding

Use a flowering-plant feed only during growth and follow the label; more fertilizer does not guarantee flowers.

Pruning

Remove spent blooms where appropriate; do not prune next season’s buds without checking the species guide.

Propagation

Division

Hardiness

8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b

Watch for

Wilt during heat · Aphids on new growth · Leaf spots

Care-group starting guidance; adapt to your cultivar and local climate.

Botanical reference ↗

Pet & child safety

Pets

Not in the ASPCA list — treat it as unsafe until you know more

Children

Skin irritant for children (California Poison Control)

Skin irritant: touching the sap or leaves can cause redness, itching, a rash or blisters.

California Poison Control lists the genus Agapanthus as a whole, not this species by name.

Keep plants out of reach of children and pets. Never eat a plant based on an app.

If any is eaten: Call your local poison control centre or vet. In the US: Poison Control 1-800-222-1222; ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).

Sources checked 10 Nov 2026. Lists change, so check the source before relying on it.

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