Agapanthus Black Buddhist

Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist' is a new variety of Agapanthus that is relatively hardy and remarkably coloured. It stands out with its long flowering stems that become almost black in the sun, proudly bearing beautiful umbels of deep blue flowers that can be seen in summer flower beds, of course, but also in a beautiful pot on the terrace. Despite its exotic charm as an austral plant, it is a deciduous and carefree plant that thrives in full sun, in ordinary but well-drained soil, not too dry in summer. Agapanthus is a magnificent plant that rewards the gardener tenfold for the little care it requires.

Agapanthus are plants of the lily family native to South Africa. Several species have been extensively hybridized by horticulturists in search of new colours, more compact and hardier plants, better adapted to our climates. The 'Black Buddhist' cultivar is a deciduous variety, with foliage that disappears in winter. Its frost resistance is around -8 to -10°C with a protective mulch in winter. This plant develops and multiplies rapidly from a stump with fleshy rhizomes, forming from spring onwards a dense tuft of linear foliage, shiny green, at least 60cm (24in) in diameter, expanding over time. Flowering takes place in summer, in July-August. Strong flowering stems, averaging 80cm (32in) in height, emerge from the tuft of foliage. Initially green, they darken in the sun and become dark black-violet. They bear spherical umbels 10-12cm (4-5in) in diameter, composed of numerous small bell-shaped flowers. Each, carried by a long and slender peduncle, is composed of 6 petals of a fairly light blue, crossed by a midnight blue midline.

Agapanthus 'Black Buddhist' deserves a prominent place in the garden: with its vibrant blue inflorescences and very dark stems dominating a dense tuft of foliage, it stands out. This variety will bring an elegant and exotic touch to flower beds. It will easily adapt to many regions that are not too cold, especially if its stump is protected by a thick layer of straw in winter. Whether in a flower bed, border, large rockery, pot or planter, Agapanthus is suitable for a variety of uses. It is particularly suited to mild coastal climates. 'Black Buddhist' is very beautiful when combined with other mauve, blue or white varieties in a minimalist setting. It is also highly decorative in flower beds with an exotic feel, alongside Kniphofias, Hemerocallis, tall grasses and Cannas.