Hibernate an African Lily properly

Hibernate an African Lily properly

The overwintering of evergreen Agapanthus species

In the evergreen species of the African Lily, the leaves remain largely green even in winter. These plants should be housed in the winter quarters under the following conditions:

  • dry
  • bright
  • cool

also read

  • Hibernating the African Lily: What do yellow leaves mean?
  • Hibernate the African Lily: cut off the leaves or not?
  • The African Lily: Planting tubers correctly

The perfect winter temperature for evergreen African lilies is between 0 and 7 degrees Celsius. You should not expose the plants to severe frosts in winter quarters, otherwise they can die. However, higher temperatures are not beneficial either, as they impair the flower formation.

The right winter quarters for leaf-feeding ornamental lilies

In leaf-feeding Agapanthus species, the leaves turn yellow by the beginning of winter and die. Cut these off like the withered inflorescences before wintering. Since these plants are overwintered without leaves, you can also put them in a dark basement. In extremely protected locations with loose and dry soil, the leaf-feeding African lily can be hardy to around minus 15 degrees Celsius with appropriate winter protection.

Proper care after wintering

As soon as strong frosts are no longer expected in spring, you can move the ornamental lilies out of the winter quarters in the tub. If possible, choose a cloudy day so that the plant can slowly get used to the direct sunlight again. From April to the beginning of August, moderate fertilization ensures more flowers.

Tips & Tricks

Immediately after wintering, you can divide or repot large ornamental lilies for propagation purposes in new planters.