Agapanthus will thrive in a comparatively sheltered but sunny spot, in welldrained soil.
The broad similar morphological characteristics within the members of the genus
Agapanthus have led to substitution of A.
Good varieties include Headbourne hybrids, which provide dazzling displays in late summer, or
Agapanthus campanulatus, which are best for permanent border planting.
If you're looking for
agapanthus that don't need mollycoddling to grow in beds and borders, then those descended from
agapanthus campanulatus are the answer.
Agapanthus praecox or 'Lily of the Nile' or the 'African Lily' originated from South Africa and was very popular among the native tribes as a traditional remedy to treat prolonged labour (Varga and Veale, 1997).
Those labelled blue or white are usually
Agapanthus campanulatus, with large heads of flowers on 90cm stems.
Agapanthus may not return as successfully as alliums, as the blue or white flowers which are so prevalent in the Channel Islands prefer warmer climes, but you could also choose other species to provide texture and architectural value to such schemes, including globe thistle (Echinops), a tough, silvery plant with spiky leaves and bristly metallic blue flowers, or sea holly (Eryngium), with its blue, teasel-like flowers on bluetinted branching stems.
The varieties of
agapanthus called Headbourne Hybrids have been selectively bred for garden hardiness, so these are obviously the ones to start with.
Agapanthus is a superb summer-flowering perennial plant that will add plenty of interest to your border from July each year.
Everyone seems to be enamoured of
agapanthus and in recent years they have lost their "difficult to grow" handle as more of us realise what straightforward subjects they are.
NEWTON ABBOT: 2.30 Son Du Berlais, 3.00 Going Concern, 3.30 Laser Blazer, 4.00 Court Minstrel, 4.30 Key To Milan, 5.00
Agapanthus, 5.30 Gorteenwood.
At this time of year and after all this recent heat, two ideal subjects for you to try from seed would be
agapanthus and eryngium.
