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Description
Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac, also known as Lily of the Nile, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Agapanthus genus. It is a hybrid cultivar that was bred in New Zealand and is prized for its showy clusters of flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are a rich shade of lilac and are held on tall stems that rise above the strappy green leaves. The plant is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for gardens, borders, and containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Agapanthus |
Appearance
Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide. The leaves are long and narrow, reaching up to 2 feet in length and 1 inch in width. They are dark green and arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers are held on tall, sturdy stems that can reach up to 3 feet in height. They are arranged in clusters, or umbels, that can contain up to 100 individual flowers. The flowers themselves are trumpet-shaped and are a rich shade of lilac, with a darker stripe running down the center of each petal. They bloom in the summer, usually in July or August, and can last for several weeks.
Care Guide
Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements.Water: The plant prefers consistently moist soil, but it should not be allowed to sit in standing water. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Do not fertilize in the fall or winter.Soil: Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.Hardiness Zones: Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Spider mites and mealybugs can also be a problem, especially in hot, dry weather. Treat any pest problems with a systemic insecticide, and adjust watering accordingly to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky grasslands and along stream banks. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought once established. In cultivation, it is often grown in borders, containers, and as a specimen plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it will need to be repotted every few years as it outgrows its container.Q: Does Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the plant is a good source of nectar for bees and butterflies.Q: How often should Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac be divided?
A: The plant can be divided every 3 to 4 years in the spring, just as new growth begins to appear.Q: Can Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac be grown from seed?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown from seed, but it may take several years to bloom.
Related Plants
Other cultivars of Agapanthus include:- Agapanthus ‘Albus’- Agapanthus ‘Blue Yonder’- Agapanthus ‘Queen Mum’- Agapanthus ‘Storm Cloud’
References
– “Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280262&isprofile=0&basic=agapanthus%20liam’s%20lilac- “Agapanthus.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10294/i-agapanthus-i/Details- “Agapanthus Liam’s Lilac.” Plant Delights Nursery. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/agapanthus-liams-lilac-perennial-plant
