Agapanthus Black Pantha - Lily of the Nile

The Agapanthus or Agapanthus orientalis 'Black Pantha' is a fascinating large perennial plant with late and abundant flowering. Its flowers, carried at a height of 1.50 m (5ft) from the ground, are a dark lavender blue almost black, and bloom in large regular umbels from July to August. This evergreen variety is unfortunately not very hardy. It produces abundant grey-green foliage. Fabulous when planted in large masses, the flowers last a long time in a vase, making it a truly unique ornamental plant. It should be planted in well-drained soil, in full sun, in a pot or in the ground, and should never lack water during its growth period.

The 'Black Pantha' Agapanthus is a hybrid obtained from Agapanthus orientalis, a perennial plant from the lily family native to the Cape Province in South Africa. 'Black Pantha' reaches impressive dimensions: 1.50 m (5ft) in height when flowering! From July to August, large umbels of black and shiny buds appear, which open into dark blue almost black flowers, in the shape of long trumpets. The foliage is evergreen, particularly abundant, green-greyish, and forms an upright clump. An adult plant will produce several flower stems.

Not very hardy (up to -5°/-8°C (17.6°F)), the Agapanthus Black Pantha is preferably grown in a large pot placed on a sunny terrace to ensure abundant flowering. In the ground, prefer a warm exposure in large masses, in a perennial bed or even in isolation. It is a plant that thrives by the sea, in an English cottage and even in a city garden. Cut and placed in a vase, the flowers will bring freshness and a lot of originality to the house for 12 to 14 days.