Agapanthus 'Blue Velvet'

The Agapanthus 'Blue Velvet' is a variety of agapanthus with semi-evergreen foliage, hardy down to approximately -10°C. It produces beautiful umbels of tubular blue-violet flowers from very dark buds. Each petal is crossed by a more intense central band for added character. The flowers bloom from July to September on a cascading clump of lush foliage. It is ideal for mass planting in the garden. It thrives in full sun, in ordinary but well-drained soil, not too dry in summer.

Agapanthus are plants from the lily family native to South Africa. Horticulturists have extensively hybridised several species for new colours, more compact and hardier plants, and better adaptation to our climates. The cultivar 'Blue Velvet' is a descendant of Agapanthus praecox subsp. Orientalis. This plant develops and multiplies rapidly from a stump with fleshy rhizomes, forming a dense clump of dark green and shiny linear foliage with a minimum diameter of 60 cm, spreading over time. The flowering takes place in midsummer. Strong stems averaging 90 cm in height emerge from the foliage clump. They bear hemispherical umbels measuring 10-12 cm in diameter, composed of numerous small campanulate flowers. Each flower has six deep blue-violet-coloured petals crossed by a darker central line. Long peduncles carry them. The foliage is semi-evergreen in not-too-cold climates.

The 'Blue Velvet' Agapanthus combines elegance and character with fairly good hardiness. It adapts easily to many regions, primarily if a thick winter mulch protects its stump. It is particularly suitable for mild coastal climates. Plant 'Blue Velvet' in borders, edges or large rockeries, combined with other mauve, blue or white varieties in a contemporary setting. Its exotic appearance also makes it a good companion in contrast with warm-coloured blooms, such as Kniphofias, Daylilies, medium-height ornamental grasses, and Cannas.