Agapanthus Charlotte

Agapanthus 'Charlotte' is a variety of Agapanthus that flowers abundantly, repeatedly, and very reliably throughout the summer.  In this compact selection, the ball-shaped inflorescences bring together small star-shaped flowers in a light blue colour streaked with darker blue-violet. Like all evergreen Agapanthus, 'Charlotte' does not like winters that are too cold and wet, but it tolerates dry summers and offers a beautiful tuft of leaves that remain decorative in winter. Perfect in large pots on the terrace, along pathways or planted in small groups near passageways, this Agapanthus is a marvel. 

Agapanthus belong to the lily family, and most of them are descendants of two South African species called Agapanthus praecox (africanus) and A. campanulatus. The hybrid variety 'Charlotte' develops a tuft of fairly narrow and linear leaves, with a glossy dark green colour, about 40cm (16in) in height, which remains very ornamental even in winter. The tuft widens and thickens over the years, reaching up to 70cm (28in) in width under good conditions. The spherical flower umbels are carried by sturdy stems that do not exceed 60cm (24in) in height. They are quite robust and extend well beyond the foliage. Flowering often begins in June and continues until September. The blue floral buds unfold into numerous small iridescent trumpets with a light blue hue that is typical of Agapanthus. Each petal is marked with a darker central line. The stamens, of the same blue-mauve colour, are topped with dark anthers.

This evergreen variety seems to be hardy up to about -8°C (17.6°F), in a sheltered location, in a relatively dry soil and for a very short period. Give it a prime location: either plant it in a large pot for winter storage and place it on a sunny terrace in summer, or in the ground, in a warm and rich, deep, not too dry and well-drained soil. It is a plant that thrives by the sea, in an English cottage, and even in a city garden, used as a focal point on a terrace, in an exotic or contemporary style. It goes well with perennials such as daylilies, red hot pokers, rose campions (Lychnis coronaria), or even with grasses in a more minimalist style. Cut and placed in a vase, the flowers will bring freshness and a lot of originality to the house.