<h1>African lily, Agapanthus africanus</h1>

African Lily, Lily-of-the-Nile (despite being native to South Africa)

Scientific Name: Agapanthus africanus

Origin South Africa

Appearance:

--Long, strap-shaped leaves forming a clump
--Tall stalks bearing rounded clusters of blue or white funnel-shaped flowers.

African Lily plant Interesting Facts

Evergreen: This plant keeps its foliage year-round.
Tough: African Lilies are drought-tolerant and thrive in a variety of soils.
Attracts Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and birds love these flowers.
Coastal Tolerance: They can handle salty air and wind, making them great for seaside gardens.
Warning: African Lilies are poisonous if eaten by humans or pets.

Growing African Lilies

If you'd like to grow these beauties:

Full sun: They love sunlight!
Well-drained soil: Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering.
Divide: Every few years, divide the plant to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Unusual facts about African lilies:

Symbolic Gift: In 1947, Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) was gifted a diamond brooch shaped like an African Lily during a visit to South Africa.
Misleading Name: Despite the name, African Lilies aren't true lilies at all. They actually belong to the amaryllis family.
Poison Potential: While beautiful, all parts of the African Lily are toxic if ingested. They contain chemicals that can cause irritation, vomiting, and other health problems in both humans and animals.
Variety of Names: The African Lily goes by many other common names, including: Lily of the Nile, Blue Lily, and sometimes African Blue Lily.
Tough and Tenacious: In some regions, particularly Australia, the African Lily is considered an invasive species. This is due to its hardiness and ability to spread rapidly, crowding out native plants.