Species
Agapanthus praecoxAfrican Lily, Lily of the Nile12 other cultivars
‘Storm Cloud’Storm Cloud African Lily
‘Galaxy Blue’Galaxy Blue Lily of the Nile
‘Galaxy White’Galaxy White African Lily
‘Luly’Luly Agapanthus
‘Northern Star’Northern Star African Lily
‘Peter Pan’Dwarf Agapanthus Peter Pan Lily
‘Arctic Star’Arctic Star African Lily
‘Elaine’Elaine African Lily Elaine Lily
‘White Heaven’White Heaven Agapanthus African Lily
‘Silver Moon’Silver Moon African Lily
‘Blue’Blue African Lily
‘Loch Hope’African Lily 'Loch Hope'
The Story
Plant Bio
Agapanthus praecox 'Ellamae' is a robust, clump-forming perennial known for its large, rounded umbels of stunning deep blue, trumpet-shaped flowers on tall, sturdy stems in summer.
Unique for its striking deep violet-blue flowers on tall scapes, reaching up to 5 feet. It is a vigorous grower and one of the larger Agapanthus cultivars.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
48 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South Africa
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Mist cuttings if propagating by division during active growth.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Transplant in early spring or fall for best results.
Pro Tip
Use a sandy loam soil for optimal drainage and vibrant blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily ☀️
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Apply fertilizer in spring and summer
- Mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds
- Divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years
Don't
- Don’t let soil stay waterlogged ❌
- Avoid heavy clay soils without amendments
- Don’t prune after flowering to preserve buds
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers
- Don’t forget to protect from frost in colder zones
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ellamae Lily of the Nile questions
What zones can Ellamae Lily of the Nile grow in?
Ellamae Lily of the Nile is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Ellamae Lily of the Nile deer resistant?
Yes — Ellamae Lily of the Nile is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Ellamae Lily of the Nile bloom?
Ellamae Lily of the Nile typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Ellamae Lily of the Nile need full sun?
Ellamae Lily of the Nile does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Ellamae Lily of the Nile drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ellamae Lily of the Nile handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Agapanthus to compare
Storm Cloud African Lily
Agapanthus praecox 'Storm Cloud'
Galaxy Blue Lily of the Nile
Agapanthus praecox 'Galaxy Blue'
Nigrescens African Lily
Agapanthus inapertus 'Nigrescens'
African Lily Lily of the Nile
Agapanthus africanus
Queen Mum Agapanthus
Agapanthus orientalis 'Queen Mum'
Galaxy White African Lily
Agapanthus praecox 'Galaxy White'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Ellamae Lily of the Nile with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.