Agapanthus That Sparkle

If at all possible, the new agapanthus varieties on the market this year are bigger, better, more intense in colour and destined to become garden favourites in no time.

In previous issues of The Gardener we’ve talked about the fantastic Agapanthus ‘Blackjack’ that won the prestigious Plant of the Year 2023, which must surely go on the list of good buys this year. But, don’t forget to add two more from plant breeders Andy De Wet and Quinton Bean from De Wet Breeders (Hartbeespoort) – Agapanthus ‘Great White’ and Agapanthus ‘Everpanthus Midnight Sky’.

‘Great White’

With super large flower heads, this agapanthus is as a great white shark is in the sea – impressive, majestic and powerful. It has compact foliage and grows to around 50cm x 50cm in ideal conditions. They can be planted in full sun or semi-shade and are cold-hardy, but just need to be protected from frost.

‘Midnight Sky’

Part of the ‘Everpanthus’ range of agapanthus bred by De Wet Breeders is this stunning intense dark blue ‘Midnight Sky’. They grow to around 80cm tall and 70cm wide with dense flowers that have a long blooming period. They are perfect for patio pots, in mixed containers, and in flower beds with contrasting foliage and flowers to bring out their incredible blue-purple colour. They have excellent disease-resistance and are heat- and drought-tolerant once established. Plant in full sun in well-draining soil.

Keep your aggies glamorous!

Even the most glamorous stars need a bit of TLC.

• Plant in good, well-draining soil.
• Whip up a VIP soil mix with quality compost and bonemeal to pamper their roots.
• They can be planted in semi-shade, but the more they bask in the sun, the better they’ll flower.
• Even though they are drought-resistant, they do need a bit of watering, especially young and potted plants.
• Feeding potted aggies regularly with a liquid plant food will keep them lush, while garden aggies will love a feed in spring with a slow-release fertiliser.
• Deadhead any sad flowers regularly at the base of the plant.
• Divide every second or third year in autumn, after their flowering season, to give their roots time to settle during winter.

Enter the Thanks Plants Competition by finding the gnome in this issue. For details see page 47 of this issue and visit www.thanksplantssa.co.za.