Agapanthus Back in Black

Agapanthus Back in Black is a Dutch variety obtained in 2005 that represents a true novelty, both in terms of its colour and its good hardiness. It flowers late from July to August, producing  surprisingly almost black flower stalks that bear umbels of very dark blue-black flowers. They emerge above evergreen foliage, which is decorative even outside of the flowering period. This beautiful plant is also resistant to cold, which is a significant advantage in cooler climate regions. 

The Back in Black Agapanthus belongs to the lily family. This hybrid variety is derived, among others, from the Agapanthus africanus species, an evergreen plant with fleshy roots native to South Africa. This variety thrives in meadows that experience summer rainfall. It develops a clump of linear, shiny dark green foliage, which can reach 1m (3ft) in diameter over time and remains highly ornamental even in winter. The spherical umbels of 20 to 30 flowers rise above, carried by slightly longer stems, up to 80cm (32in) in height, which are initially green and gradually become a very dark purple. Flowering occurs between July and September depending on the region. 

This evergreen variety is quite hardy, down to about -15°C (5°F) under good conditions. The substrate should be perfectly well-drained, the situation sheltered, and the plant protected by winter mulching. In the coldest regions, plant it in a pot exposed on a sunny terrace in summer and store it in winter. It is a plant that thrives by the seaside, in an English cottage, and even in a city garden. It goes well with perennials. When cut and placed in a vase, the flowers will bring freshness and a lot of originality to the house.