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Agapanthus umbellatus

Agapanthus umbellatus
African Lily, Lily of the Nile

4,7/5
15 reviews
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Seems good.

Simone, 23/10/2024

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
This Agapanthus is a truly majestic herbaceous perennial, with rhizomatous roots, offering large umbels of campanulate flowers in intense and luminous lavender blue, carried well above a beautiful bunch of semi-evergreen ribbon-like foliage. This highly graphic plant is not very hardy, it will thrive on the terrace in full sun, or in borders under mild climate, in well-drained soil.
Flower size
15 cm
Height at maturity
1 m
Spread at maturity
60 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -6°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time April
Recommended planting time March to June
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Flowering time July to September
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Description

The Blue Agapanthus, also known as Agapanthus umbellatus (formerly africanus), is a truly majestic herbaceous perennial with rhizomatous growth. It offers large umbels of bell-shaped flowers in intense and bright lavender blue, carried well above a beautiful bunch of semi-evergreen or evergreen ribbon-like foliage, depending on the climate. This highly graphic plant, although not very hardy, will thrive on the terrace in full sun, or in borders under mild climates, in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic tendency.

 

Both originating from South Africa, Agapanthus umbellatus (or africanus) should not be confused with Agapanthus praecox, even though these two species naturally hybridize in nature or in our gardens. Agapanthus umbellatus is a robust plant that grows in South Africa, from the Cape Peninsula to Swellendam, at low altitudes, in mountainous areas, between rocky outcrops, and on sandy soils with a slightly acidic tendency. It develops and multiplies rapidly from a stump with fleshy rhizomes, forming a dense tuft of linear, shiny green foliage, at least 60cm (24in) in diameter, which expands over time. Flowering takes place in summer, from June-July to September. Solid stems, 80cm (32in) to 1m (3ft) tall, bear large hemispherical umbels, 15cm (6in) in diameter, composed of about thirty intense lavender blue bell-shaped flowers, carried by long peduncles.

 

Agapanthus umbellatus is magnificent in the garden with its large inflorescences that rise above a well-filled tuft. The soothing and bright blue colour of the flowers, as well as their abundance, will bring an elegant and exotic touch to your borders. Unfortunately, it is semi-hardy and disappears below -6/-8°C (21.2/17.6°F), which is why it should be given a protected and south-facing location, and an thick mulch should be applied at its base. Whether in borders, edging, large rock gardens, pots or containers, Agapanthus is suitable for a wide range of uses. It is particularly well-suited to mild coastal climates. It is very beautiful when combined with other white, mauve or blue varieties in a minimalist decor. It is also very decorative in borders with an exotic feel, with Kniphofias, Hemerocallis, and Phlomis fruticosa. In mild climates, it can flower repeatedly.

 

Agapanthus umbellatus is a plant associated with fire ecology. In South Africa, it is often subjected to fires that destroy the vegetation of the Fynbos, and it seems to flower more abundantly when it has experienced fire.

 

Agapanthus umbellatus in pictures

Agapanthus umbellatus (Flowering) Flowering
Agapanthus umbellatus (Foliage) Foliage
Agapanthus umbellatus (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time July to September
Inflorescence Umbel
Flower size 15 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms
Flowering description Umbels of intense lavender blue.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Semi-evergreen
Foliage colour medium green
Foliage description Semi-evergreen.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Agapanthus

Species

umbellatus

Family

Alliaceae - Liliaceae

Other common names

African Lily, Lily of the Nile

Botanical synonyms

Agapanthus africanus

Origin

South Africa

Product reference811862

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Planting and care

Plant the stumps of Blue Agapanthus by covering them with at least 10cm (4in) of good soil so they can better withstand the cold. It is essential to install them in spring and mulch them in winter. For pot cultivation, use 5 young plants for a 24cm (9in) pot and protect your pots in winter. They prefer a rich and moist but well-drained soil, enriched with sand. Water them regularly during the growth period (twice a week). However, avoid watering them afterwards. They are sensitive to winter moisture excess. This variety thrives particularly well in rockeries and containers. Use a well-drained sandy mix, slightly acidic. This plant seems to prefer shallow containers and will flower abundantly if regularly fed with slow-release fertilizer.

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Planting period

Best planting time April
Recommended planting time March to June

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -6°C (USDA zone 9a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 3 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Rich, loamy and well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Removed flowered stems down to the base.
Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs protection
4,7/5
No reviews
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