Superb Aggies

They grow effortlessly, and when bursting into flower in summer, few other perennials can beat their sheer beauty and grace. 

The best of blues 

Agapanthus ‘Blue Velvet’ is a robust grower producing large flowerheads containing dark, violet blue flowers, each with a darker mid-rib. The length of the flowering stems up to 80 cm tall, if not higher, makes them immediately noticable in a border. Give them space to spread (80 cm wide).  

Agapanthus ‘Buccaneer’ is a vibrant variety with dark blue flowerheads that open into clear blue, trumpet-shaped flowers, each with a prominent dark purple vein. This is a long-flowering hybrid, producing colour from spring to late summer, and as it is a rebloomer you can expect flower flushes in other months of the year too.  

This one is classified as a medium-sized agapanthus with flowering stems 30 cm tall and clumps of dark green straplike leaves spreading 30 cm wide.  

How to keep all agapanthus happy 

There are two misconceptions about indigenous agapanthus. Although very easy to cultivate and quite tough in nature, they do like a bit of loving care.  

Another reason why they might not flower as well as expected of them, is that they are often planted in too deep shade where they have to compete with the root systems of trees.  

• Plant agapanthus in full sun or light shade (morning sun and afternoon shade). 
• Plant them in well-composted soil with good drainage and add a rootbuilding fertiliser. 
• Although drought-hardy when established, they will flower much better if watered fairly regularly in summer.  
• Feed with a slow-release, balanced fertiliser from spring to autumn to guarantee lots of flowers.  
• An enemy is the lily borer, which can kill off the plants if not detected in time, so keep an eye out for them.  
• Loss of flower power can sometimes be caused by clumps which have become too overgrown and dense. Divide and replant every 3 to 5 years in early spring.  
• Cut some flowering stems for the vase; it will encourage more blooms.