Agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus Black Magic

Agapanthus inapertus 'Black Magic' is a fascinating new variety offering one of the darkest flowerings, if not the darkest. Black buds open into nearly black, deep indigo blue bell-shaped flowers, on large umbels reaching 80cm (32in) above the ground. This deciduous variety is moderately hardy, down to -10°C (14°F), and should never lack water during its growth period. A troubling and dark flower, created to bring out contrasts and enhance white blooms, in borders, in pots, or planted in small groups near high-traffic areas.

Agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus 'Black Magic' belongs to the lily family, it is a hybrid variety. This bulbous plant thrives in meadows that experience summer rainfall. From spring, a wide clump of linear, light green foliage develops, reaching about 50cm (20in) in height and can spread up to 60cm (24in). The spherical umbels of 30 to 40 flowers rise above, carried by longer stems. The flowering occurs between July and September depending on the region. The long pendulous trumpets, silky and very graphic, that seem reluctant to open, are almost black and stand upright as buds, then they bend towards the ground, opening into a very dark indigo blue. 

This deciduous variety is moderately hardy; it should be planted either in a pot to be overwintered 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 contemporary city garden. Its almost black colour creates magnificent contrasts with the white flowers of Gauras, Camassias, Lavateras, or Cleomes. Cut and placed in a vase, the flowers will bring a lot of originality to the house.