When Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus) gets exactly what it needs, it truly becomes the crown jewel of any garden. With those stunning blue clusters, these African natives bring such a cool, relaxed vibe to your outdoor space. But if your plants are looking a little lackluster and skipping the bloom phase, it’s usually a sign they’re hungry.
Here is the lowdown on how to feed your Agapanthus to get those spectacular flowers.
How to Fertilize Your Lily of the Nile
If you notice your plant is all leaves and no flowers, it’s time to step up your fertilizing game. Timing is everything here, and you want to make sure you’re using the right stuff. Generally, once the threat of frost has passed—usually from April through August—you should give your plants a nutritional boost once a month. This builds up the nutrient reserves the plant needs to push out those big blooms. Just remember to stop fertilizing as summer winds down. If you keep feeding them into the fall, you’ll encourage new growth right when the plant should be toughening up for the colder months ahead.
The best options for your plants:
- Organic compost
- High-quality liquid fertilizer
Pro-Tips for Success
The one thing Lily of the Nile absolutely hates? “Wet feet.” Even when you’re applying liquid fertilizer, you have to make sure your planting spot doesn’t turn into a swamp. If your soil is heavy or holds too much water, you might want to add a drainage layer. Mixing some coarse sand into the soil at root level works wonders. This ensures that water flows past the roots instead of sitting there and causing rot. If you’re growing your lilies in pots, a drainage layer at the bottom is pretty much a requirement.
Speaking of pots, container-grown Agapanthus need a bit more TLC when it comes to feeding. Because their roots are confined, they can’t go searching through the ground for extra nutrients like garden-planted lilies can. Regular fertilizing helps bridge that gap. When you see those vibrant blue flowers popping during blooming season, you’ll know your plant is happy, healthy, and well-fed!
