Evergreen Agapanthus

Evergreen Agapanthus

Our favourite varieties!

Contents

Modified this week  by Christine 4 min.

Also known as Love Flower, Blue Tuberose, or Lily of the Nile, evergreen Agapanthus can be found in two species: Agapanthus praecox and Agapanthus africanus. They are generally larger and more sensitive to cold than deciduous species, so it is essential to provide them with a thick mulch at the base in winter. However, they cope better with dry summers, and their flowering is earlier compared to deciduous Agapanthus. In a mild climate, their foliage persists in winter, which is a real decorative asset in the garden. In this case, they can be planted in the ground, in a protected south-facing location, in good garden soil that is rich, well-draining, and cool. On the other hand, in cold regions, it is preferable to plant them in pots so they can be stored in winter.

Native to South Africa, Agapanthus are the quintessential full-sun plants. The more sunlight they receive, the more beautiful their flowering will be. For travel enthusiasts, it’s worth noting that the blue Agapanthus is very common on the Portuguese island of Madeira, renowned for its Flower Festival in spring. A destination worth visiting!

Discover our selection of evergreen Agapanthus in original colours, with perpetual flowering, large flowers, decorative foliage, and small dimensions!

Difficulty

The Agapanthus 'Black Pantha'

In the category of originality, it is the Agapanthus x praecox ‘Black Pantha’ that takes the crown! Indeed, Agapanthus are generally light in colour: white, blue, or purple. But for this variety, the trumpet flowers are almost black! The flowering of the large, very dark blue umbels appears from July to August. Moreover, the ‘Black Pantha’ Agapanthus is large: it can reach 1.5 metres in height and 60 cm in width! However, it is not very hardy, and it can only be planted in the ground in a perennial plant bed in a warm climate. It is an excellent variety for cut flowers. In a similar style, we can mention one of its competitors: the ‘Back in Black’ Agapanthus. Play with colour contrasts by pairing it with white flowers such as Gaura, white Crinums, or white Lavateras. It will also thrive in a pot on a sunny terrace.

black evergreen agapanthus

(Photo Andrew Massyn)

Agapanthus 'Strawberry Ice'

Here is a rare Agapanthus ‘Strawberry Ice’ with white flowers tinged with a hint of pink around the edges! Romantic to the core, the pink hue intensifies over time, with the age of the plant and the onset of cooler temperatures. Its summer flowering is short-lived. Indeed, its dense umbels of upright flowers appear from July to September. Hardy down to -10°C, plant the ‘Strawberry Ice’ Agapanthus in full sun at the edge of a border, rockery, or pot, and create pastel scenes with other blue and purple Agapanthuses. There are other varieties with stunning bicoloured flowers such as ‘Enigma’ and ‘Fireworks’, which is semi-evergreen.

bicoloured evergreen agapanthus

Discover other Agapanthus - Lily of the Nile

Agapanthus 'Charlotte'

For a long flowering period, opt for Agapanthus ‘Charlotte’. Indeed, this variety is perpetual, meaning that flowering occurs multiple times. These flowers are light blue stars veined with darker blue-violet and bloom from June to September on beautiful 12 cm umbels. Not very hardy, this Agapanthus is of medium height, with flower stems reaching up to 60 cm tall. Its narrow, dark green, glossy foliage forms a compact clump that remains decorative in winter. Moreover, these flowers are ideal for bouquets and bring freshness to floral arrangements at home. Plant Agapanthus ‘Charlotte’ in large pots or as a border in combination with Red Hot Pokers in orange hues, Lychnis coronaria, and ornamental grasses like Miscanthus or Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Waldenbuch’ with its airy foliage.

evergreen agapanthus perpetual variety

Agapanthus 'Rosewarne'

Moderately hardy, Agapanthus campanulatus ‘Rosewarne’ is part of the large-flowered Agapanthus. Its very large umbels can reach up to 20 cm in diameter! From a distance, this tall Agapanthus is an explosion of bright blue, but up close, one realises that the petals are simply white marked with dark blue lines. From July to September, Agapanthus ‘Rosewarne’ is very striking with its abundant flower stems over a metre tall and its evergreen grey-green foliage. Another large-flowered variety not to forget is Agapanthus ‘Windsor Grey’ with its 18 cm white umbels. Plant Agapanthus ‘Rosewarne’ with Cleomes, Callistemons, Delphiniums, or Aconites.

evergreen large flower agapanthus

Agapanthus 'Thumbelina'

The dense and evergreen foliage of Agapanthus ‘Thumbelina’ effectively covers the soil, making it ideal for border planting, rockeries, or small gardens. Indeed, its leaves are glossy dark green and form a clump that can reach a minimum diameter of 40 cm, spreading over time. Very floriferous from July to August, this variety produces umbels of small white flowers, creating a light and airy effect. On a sunny terrace, Agapanthus ‘Thumbelina’ is suitable for pot or container planting due to its compact size. Pair Agapanthus ‘Thumbelina’ with Alliums, Foxtail Lilies, and Daylilies in warm colours, or integrate it into a White Garden.

evergreen ground cover agapanthus

Agapanthus 'Double Diamond'

The Agapanthus ‘Double Diamond’ is a compact semi-evergreen variety producing double flowers of pure white. Its flower stems, bearing 10 cm diameter umbels, are short, reaching no more than 35-40 cm in height. Due to its small size, this variety is ideal for pot displays on a sunny terrace or in perennial borders and beds. The Agapanthus ‘Double Diamond’ is not very hardy, similar to the small semi-evergreen Agapanthus africanus ‘Pitchoune Blue’. Create an exotic atmosphere by pairing it with Crocosmias, Cordylines, Yuccas, and Grevilleas.

naked evergreen agapanthus

Comments

evergreen agapanthus