How to Grow Spike Flower
Spike Flower
Apoganthus africanus
flowerSpike flower, commonly known as Agapanthus or Lily of the Nile, is a striking perennial that produces tall stems topped with spherical clusters of tubular blue, purple, or white flowers. Native to South Africa, it's prized for its architectural form and long blooming period that attracts pollinators. The strap-like foliage creates an attractive mound even when the plant is not flowering.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Spike Flower in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Spike Flower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Spike Flower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Spike Flower blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Spike Flower dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11; can be grown in containers in cooler zones and brought indoors
Sign up free to see if Spike Flower grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Spike Flower timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung plant with developing strap-like foliage; no flowers yet
Plant in spring, water regularly to establish roots, provide full sun, avoid fertilizing excessively which delays flowering
Vegetative Growth
12-24 monthsPlant forms a dense clump of long, arching green leaves; increases in size
Water moderately, allow soil to dry between waterings, apply light fertilizer in spring, remove dead foliage
Flowering
6-8 weeks per flush (may flower spring and summer)Tall stems emerge from the foliage clump, topped with spherical flower heads containing 50-100+ small tubular flowers
Provide consistent moisture, deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, stake tall varieties if needed, apply balanced fertilizer
Seed Development
4-6 weeksFlower heads dry and develop seed pods; foliage may show signs of dormancy in fall
Leave seed heads for ornamental value or remove if you don't want self-seeding, reduce watering, stop fertilizing
Dormancy/Winter Rest
2-3 months (varies by climate)Foliage persists but growth slows; plant enters a resting phase
Minimal watering in zones with winter chill, protect from hard freezes, no fertilizer needed, can be moved indoors in containers in cold zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity, spray with water, use insecticidal soap, neem oil if severe
-
Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
-
Prune affected areas, spray with horticultural oil in dormant season, neem oil during growing season
-
and
Remove by hand at dusk, use copper barriers, apply diatomaceous earth around plant base
Uses
Edible flowers
CulinaryAgapanthus flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish for salads and desserts, adding visual appeal to dishes. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
HouseholdSpike flowers are excellent long-lasting cut flowers for vases and floral arrangements, providing height, structure, and visual interest indoors. [source]
Dried flower crafts
CraftThe flower heads dry naturally and retain their shape, making them ideal for dried floral arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeAgapanthus flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [source]
Ornamental landscaping
HouseholdIts striking architectural form, long blooming period, and evergreen foliage make it a focal point plant in borders, containers, and landscape designs. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested in traditional sense, but cut flowers last 1-2 weeks in a vase. Cut stems when flower heads are fully open but before flowers begin to fade. Change water every 2-3 days and recut stems for longer vase life.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite being called 'Lily of the Nile,' Agapanthus is not actually a lily and doesn't naturally occur in the Nile region—the name is a historical misnomer from Victorian-era plant naming.
- 🌱 A single mature plant can produce multiple flower stems in one season, with some varieties producing over 100 flowering stems from a large established clump.
- 🌱 Agapanthus was traditionally used in South African folk medicine for various ailments, and the plant has been cultivated in Europe since the 17th century.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Spike Flower planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Spike Flower seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Spike Flower timeline →