The African lily or African lily (Agapanthus) originally comes from areas of distribution in South Africa, although the plants are also found there at altitudes with different temperatures. Therefore, African lilies are not overly sensitive to frost, but overwintering in winter quarters is usually appropriate.
How do you overwinter African lilies correctly?
In order to successfully overwinter African lilies (Agapanthus), evergreen species should be stored bright, cool and dry at 0-7°C. Leaf-feeding species, on the other hand, can overwinter in the cellar without light. Fertilization and, if necessary, division is recommended from spring onwards.
The overwintering of evergreen Agapanthus species
In evergreen types of African lily, the leaves remain largely green even in winter. These plants should be wintered under the following conditions:
- dry
- bright
- cool
The perfect overwintering temperature for evergreen African lilies is between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius. You should not expose the plants to severe frosts in the winter quarters, otherwise they may die. However, higher temperatures are not beneficial as they affect flower formation.
The right winter quarters for leaf-retracting African lilies
In leaf-feeding Agapanthus species, the leaves turn yellow and die by the beginning of winter. Like the wilted inflorescences, cut these off before wintering. Since these plants overwinter without leaves, you can also place them in a dark basement. In extremely protected locations with loose and dry soil, the leaf-retracting African lily can be hardy down to around minus 15 degrees Celsius with appropriate winter protection.
The right care after wintering
As soon as severe frosts are no longer expected in spring, you can move African lilies in pots from their winter quarters outside. If possible, choose a cloudy day so that the plant can slowly get used to direct sunlight again. From April to the beginning of August, moderate fertilization ensures more flowers.
Tips & Tricks
Immediately after wintering out, you can divide African lilies that have become too large for propagation purposes and repot them in new planters.
