Agapanthus: African Beauties For Irish Gardens

By Veronica

 

Native to South Africa and commonly known as African Lily, the Agapanthus is a perennial praised for its umbels of flowers in hues of blue, purple or white. They are also a good choice for pots (they flower better when their roots are contained) and can stand salty winds. They are therefore, a good addition to coastal gardens.

There are evergreen and deciduous varieties, bear in mind however, that the latter is hardier and best suited to the Irish climate. It is still possible to grow evergreen varieties in Ireland, but your plants will require winter protection along with well-drained soil/compost. Besides this, the Agapanthus is an easy plant to grow, perfect for the novice gardener.

Here are 10 of the best varieties to grow, from pure white flowers to deepest purple ones.

 

Agapanthus ‘Double Diamond’

Agapanthus 'Double Diamond' by Veronica for Windyridge Garden Centre

This dwarf variety is perfect for containers or the front of the border. Although small, it is quite spectacular none-the-less with its abundant flowerheads of white, double flowers in late summer.

Height and Spread: 25 x 30cm

Foliage: mid-green, deciduous

Flowers: Double, white from July to September

RHS Award of Garden Merit

 

Agapanthus ‘Polar Ice’

Agapanthus 'Polar Ice' by Veronica for Windyridge Garden Centre

This elegant white variety is also one of the hardiest. Plant it at the front or middle of the border, the foliage clump is quite low.

Height and Spread: 70 x 50 cm.

Foliage: mid-green, deciduous.

Flowers: Pure white, single, from July to September

 

Agapanthus Africanus ‘Albus’

Agapanthus Africanus Albus by Veronica for Windyridge Garden Centre

One of the largest varieties with flowerheads reaching over 20cm in diameter. ‘Albus’ is an evergreen variety. Choose a sheltered spot with free-draining soil. Alternatively, grow in a large container that can be moved to a protected area for the winter.

Height and Spread: 80 x 60 cm

Foliage: Fresh green, evergreen

Flowers: Pure white, single in July and August

 

Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’

Agapanthus 'Fireworks' by Veronica for Windyridge Garden Centre

This relatively new introduction definitely has the WOW factor with its two-tone flowers. The tightly packed flowerheads open to white blooms with blue chasers.

Height and Spread: 60 x 60 cm

Foliage: Mid-green, evergreen

Flowers: White and Blue, From July to September

RHS Award of Garden Merit

Best in Show at the New Plant Awards of the HTA National Plant Show (2019)

 

Agapanthus ‘Blue Cloud’

Agapanthus 'Blue Cloud' by Veronica for Windyridge Garden Centre

Flowers and more flowers! This variety is extremely free flowering. It is ideal for the middle of the border or in a pot as a focal point.

Height and Spread: 75 x 50 cm

Foliage: mid-green, semi-evergreen

Flowers: Blue from June to August

 

Agapanthus ‘Dr Brouwer’

Agapanthus 'Dr Brouwer' by Veronica for Windyridge Garden Centre

This Agapanthus adds drama to the garden with its pale blue-lilac flowers with a dark stripe in the middle of each petal.

Height and Spread: 80 x 50 cm

Foliage: Mid-green, Evergreen

Flowers: Blue violet in July and August

 

Agapanthus ‘Lapis Lazuli’

Just as precious as the ultramarine-coloured stone, ‘Lapis-Lazuli’ stands out with its exquisite dark blue flowers. It is also a compact variety.

Height and Spread: 60 x 40 cm

Foliage: Green, evergreen

Flowers: Dark blue, from July to September

 

Agapanthus ‘Brilliant Blue’

A must-have if you love rich blue flowers. This variety is extremely free flowering so you will have plenty to share between the garden and the vase!

Height and Spread: 60 x 50 cm.

Foliage: Dark green, Evergreen

Flowers: Rich blue with purple stripe in July and August

 

Agapanthus ‘Northern Star’

A taller variety with striking colouring. The petals are blue-purple, opening from purple buds. The foliage doesn’t lack of interest either: the strappy mid-green leaves are dark purple at the base.

Height and Spread: 80 x 50 cm

Foliage: Green and purple, evergreen

Flowers: Blue purple in July and August

RHS Award of Garden Merit

 

Agapanthus ‘Poppin’ Purple’

Agapanthus 'Poppin'Purple' by veronica for Windyridge Garden Centre

Another showstopping variety to add to the garden. ‘Poppin’Purple’ is one of the darkest Agapanthus with near black buds opening to violet flowers from mid-summer into Autumn. It is also fast growing compared to other varieties.

Height and Spread: 60 x 50 cm

Foliage: Green, semi-evergreen

Flowers: Purple, Black from July to September

 

Growing notes:

Exposition: Full Sun and sheltered (even more so for evergreen varieties as they a are bit more tender)

Soil: a well-drained soil is essential. If your garden gets waterlogged in the Winter, consider growing your Agapanthus in pots (terracotta is ideal) with John Innes no.2 compost

Water: Water a little, regularly the first year after planting. They will be drought tolerant thereafter and will require minimum watering.

Fertilizer: Agapanthus needs very little. You may apply tomato food once a year. African lilies flower best when their roots are contained. If your plant does not flower, it may be because they are planted in a nutrient rich compost and have too much room.