Agapanthus Strawberry Ice

Agapanthus 'Strawberry Ice' is undoubtedly the first Agapanthus with pink flowers available in horticultural trade. Pinkish, but not pink, as it is rather a hint of pink that appears on the edge of each flower, which is otherwise pure white, when the summer nights are a bit chilly and the flowers, or even the plants, age. Under these umbels of flowers, a superb clump of dark green strap-like leaves thrives, remaining decorative even in winter. The cold resistance of this variety, down to -10°C (14°F), still allows it to be planted in the ground in regions that are not too cold, in well-drained soil and in a sheltered position. Despite its relatively modest size, this very different Agapanthus will undoubtedly surprise visitors, when planted at the edge of a border, in a rockery or in a flowering pot on the terrace. 

Agapanthus are plants in the lily family, native to South Africa, which naturally hybridize in the wild or in our gardens. Agapanthus 'Strawberry Ice', which closely resembles Agapanthus praecox 'Albo roseus', is a New Zealand cultivar recently introduced to the market, distinguishing itself from the usual Agapanthus by the pink colour of its florets and the way they point upwards rather than horizontally or towards the ground, as well as by its upright habit instead of trailing foliage. It should be noted that this evergreen selection tolerates summer drought better than deciduous foliage forms.

This plant develops and multiplies rapidly from a stump with fleshy rhizomes, forming a dense clump of linear leaves, shiny dark green, at least 45cm (18in) in diameter, expanding over time. The abundant and prolonged flowering takes place in summer, from July to September, earlier or later depending on the climate, and lasts for about 5 weeks. Sturdy, stocky stems about 65cm (26in) tall bear at their tips dense umbels, about 8-10cm (3-4in) in diameter, composed of about thirty small campanulate flowers facing upwards and carried by long peduncles.

Agapanthus 'Strawberry Ice' is a variety as rare as it is delightful, to be adopted without hesitation in the ground in mild regions. In a flower garden, it brings an exotic, pastel and light touch to sunny borders, while requiring little maintenance. This variety should be given a somewhat protected and south-facing location. Whether in a border, rockery, pot or container, 'Strawberry Ice' Agapanthus is suitable for a wide range of uses. It is very beautiful when associated with other mauve, white or blue varieties in a minimalist setting. It is also very decorative in exotic-themed borders with lilies, Kniphofias, Hemerocallis, shrubby salvias or Phlomis tuberosa. It is also a very beautiful plant for the terrace or balcony, to be stored in cold climates.