Agapanthus
Agapanthus orientalis

A member of the Liliaceae family, Agapanthus orientalis (A. praecox ssp. orientalis) are herbaceous plants with fleshy, tuberous roots. Tall spikes bear flowers in  blue or white growing as terminal cluster with 6 petal-like parts. The leaves are long and slender.  Also known as `Blue Lily of the Nile,' Agapanthus are not native to the Nile River basin of northeastern Africa. Actually, they are natives of southern Africa. The name Agapanthus comes from the Greek and means ``love flower," And indeed they are flowers to love.

The most commonly grown Agapanthus is the large, light blue flowered form that blooms in midsummer. It is beautiful paired with lemon-yellow colored daylilies. White Agapanthus are really great flowers, especially if you can find the ones with purple-tinged stems. They are positively elegant.

`Peter Pan' is a dwarf form with the same light blue flowers as the tall ones, but the daintier flower umbels make them easier to use as cut flowers. Another delightful dwarf with the same color flowers is ``Tinker Bell,' except it has a charming light cream and green variegated foliage. Among the species, hybrids and cultivars there are now some deep royal blue to purple ones. Among these is a very lovely cultivar named ``Ellamae.' I wonder if it could be named after Ellamae Fehrer, former CGCI and NGC President.

Agapanthus are easy to grow in  most areas of California except the high deserts, They can tolerate almost any well-drained soil and do not require a lot of water after they are established. Usually pest-free, they can harbor snails in their foliage. When the plants become too crowded, they should be divided and replanted in good fertile soil, which they need since they are heavy feeders. The best time to separate the plants is when they are more or less dormant. This is usually done now, in midwinter or early spring, before new growth begins.

After dividing them, place the crowns of the new plants about two inches below ground level, water well, and let them get established. During the growing season, the plants will need generous amounts of water and should not be allowed to dry out. You really should not have to cut the leaves. If you do injure them, the damage will be apparent until the leaves fall off. The sap in the leaves is toxic. It can cause irritation of the skin and eyes. If ingested, it can cause irritation and ulceration of the mouth.

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