The Delicate Beauty of the Agapanthus
In this photograph, a cluster of delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers in soft shades of lavender and white dangle gracefully from slender stems, surrounded by mulch and a backdrop of greenery. These blooms belong to the Agapanthus, commonly known as the African Lily or Lily of the Nile. This plant, with its elegant flower heads and strap-like leaves, is a favorite among gardeners for its striking appearance and ability to add a touch of sophistication to any landscape. For someone like Kass, who once captured this plant in its prime before it was lost, the Agapanthus likely held a special place in his collection of photographed beauties—much like the vibrant orchids, the Mallard in Okotoks, and the iconic Paris Las Vegas he documented in his pre-YouTube days.
What is the Agapanthus?
The Agapanthus is a genus of flowering plants native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa, where it thrives in the region’s warm, sunny climates. Despite its common name, "Lily of the Nile," it’s not a true lily nor does it originate from the Nile region—it’s part of the Amaryllidaceae family. The plant typically grows in clumps, with long, arching leaves and tall flower stalks that can reach up to 3 feet in height. The blooms, as seen in the image, are tubular and clustered in umbels, often in shades of blue, purple, or white, with some varieties showing subtle gradients like the lavender-to-white transition here.
Agapanthus plants are often categorized into evergreen and deciduous types. Evergreen varieties, like Agapanthus africanus, retain their leaves year-round in milder climates, while deciduous ones, such as Agapanthus praecox, shed their leaves in colder seasons. Given the delicate appearance and the climate of Okotoks, Alberta, where this plant once grew, it’s likely this was a deciduous variety, better suited to surviving seasonal changes—though, as we’ll explore, the harsh Alberta winters pose a challenge.
Growing Agapanthus in Okotoks, Alberta: A Challenge Worth Considering
Okotoks, Alberta, located just south of Calgary, sits in a region classified as USDA Hardiness Zone 3b to 4a, where winter temperatures can plummet to -35°C (-31°F) or lower. Agapanthus, on the
