African Lily (Agapanthus africanus): Blue Flower Clusters for Sunny Containers

Botanical Name: Agapanthus africanus

Showy blue flower clusters atop tall stems have captured gardeners' hearts for years. But you can grow this beauty indoors—African lilies thrive in containers.

Give plenty of light. Some full sun needed for blooms. When it flowers—several stems burst with clouds of blue blossoms all summer. Ideal for sunroom or any full-sun room. Rotate pot weekly for even light.

Repotting & Overwintering

• Repot: Spring only when necessary. Blooms best when pot-bound—keep fleshy rhizome roots crowded. Drainage holes essential.
• Overwinter: Sunny window. Cut back watering, don't dry out. Stop fertilizing after flowering. Early spring: resume normal care.

If you've never grown African lilies, try them. Easy indoors, with good care you'll enjoy gorgeous flowers year after year.

African Lily Care Quick Reference

• Origin: South Africa
• Height: 2–3 ft (60–90 cm)
• Light: Full sun
• Water: Generous growing season, evenly moist. Sparingly after flowering. Yellow leaves = overwatering.
• Humidity: Average room
• Temperature: 60–75°F (16–24°C). Summer patio OK (takes heat). Bring in when temps drop—tender perennial, min 50°F (10°C).
• Soil: Good-quality potting mix
• Fertilizer: Monthly spring/summer with high-potassium liquid fertilizer at half strength
• Propagation: Divide spring every 4 years or when needed. Sow seeds spring—seed-grown may take 2–3 years to flower.