Agapanthus Headbourne Blue

Agapanthus 'Headbourne' hybrid is undoubtedly the most cold-resistant variety (up to -15°), especially in well-drained soil. It opens its large umbels of intense blue in July/August, from a young age, on a clump of light green ribbon-like foliage, which expands over time. This undemanding plant but with a very exotic appearance is ideal for giving a touch of holidays and seaside to balconies, terraces, and beds. Its faded inflorescences remain decorative on the plant in winter. It is to be grown in full sun, in rich, well-drained, moist to dry soil. 

This vigorous and hardy hybrid Agapanthus belongs to the family of Alliaceae (Liliaceae) and descends from various species of South African origin, including Agapanthus campanulatus, which is quite tall and native to the Natal province.

The plant develops in spring from a short rhizome with fleshy roots forming a dense clump of linear, ribbon-like foliage, short, with a minimum diameter of 50cm (20in), expanding over time. Each leaf can reach 40cm (16in) in length and 1cm (1in) in width. When in bloom, it easily reaches a height of 60cm (24in) and a width of 60cm (24in), even more over time. It is in the heart of summer that solid, sturdy floral stems appear, crowned with hemispherical umbels, measuring 12cm (5in) in diameter, with 20 to 50 campanulate flowers of intense medium blue carried by long peduncles. This bulbous plant is hardy up to about -15°C with winter protection, but many specimens have sometimes endured even lower temperatures. The foliage turns yellow and then disappears in autumn.

The  hybrid Agapanthus 'Headbourne' is used in the background of beds or to highlight the layout of pathways. It blends well with all types of decor, even the most modern, as long as they are bathed in sunlight. It will be invited in large pots on the terrace, in a pretty wide pottery that will allow this plant to produce numerous flower stalks. This cultivation method has the advantage of being able to store it in winter in a region too cold for it. It is a plant that thrives by the seaside, 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. Left in place, the faded inflorescences will decorate the beds asleep in winter.