Agapanthus Enigma

Agapanthus 'Enigma' is an unusual variety that develops a stunning bicolour flowering in summer. Its long trumpets, almost white at first, are blue at the base, with this ultramarine shade extending further as they fully bloom. Standing over 50cm (20in) tall, its flowers are gathered in wide and well-filled umbels. This evergreen variety, moderately to slightly hardy, produces narrow dark green leaves that are ornamental even outside of the flowering period. Perfect in large pots on the terrace or planted in small groups, it should be placed in well-drained soil, in full sun, without lacking water during its growth period.

The 'Enigma' Agapanthus belongs to the lily family. This hybrid variety comes from, among others, the Agapanthus praecox species, an evergreen plant with fleshy roots native to South Africa. This species thrives in prairies that experience summer rainfall. It forms a narrow clump of linear, dark green foliage, about 40cm (16in) tall, which remains very ornamental even in winter. The spherical umbels of 30 to 40 flowers rise above on slightly longer, sturdy stems, up to 75cm (30in) tall. The flowering takes place between July and September depending on the region. Hanging on reddish to bronze peduncles, the numerous pendulous trumpets combine white and blue. The inside of the tubular corolla is pure white, while its reverse is tinged with blue-violet at the base. The white stamens are tipped with dark anthers, giving the whole something truly different that catches the eye.

This evergreen variety is moderately hardy (up to about -8°C (17.6°F)). Plant it either in a pot to be stored in winter and placed on a sunny terrace in summer, or in the ground, in a warm and well-drained soil. It is a plant that thrives by the seaside, in an English cottage, and even in a city garden. It pairs well with perennials. Cut and placed in a vase, the flowers will bring freshness and a lot of originality to the house.