Agapanthus Tinkerbell

The 'Tinkerbell' Agapanthus is a new variety of Agapanthus that is quite short, but remarkable for its combination of variegated cream foliage and celestial blue umbel flowering. Its foliage will persist in mild climates, and its rootstock can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C. It can be grown in the ground in favourable climates or in a large pot on the terrace in colder regions. Plant it in full sun, in a fertile, well-drained soil that is not too dry in summer.

Agapanthus are native to South Africa and belong to the lily family. 'Tinkerbell' is a recent hybrid cultivar that is mainly distinguished by its variegated foliage and rather compact habit. This plant develops and multiplies rapidly from a stump with fleshy rhizomes, forming a dense clump of linear, tapering foliage margined with white cream, at least 50cm (20in) in diameter, widening over time. The flowering occurs in summer, from June-July to September. Strong stems about 60cm (24in) high bear large, hemispherical umbels about 12cm (5in) in diameter, composed of about thirty small, campanulate flowers of intense light blue, veined with darker blue, borne on long peduncles.

The 'Tinkerbell' Agapanthus brings a beautiful luminous and exotic touch to the garden and terrace. The soothing and luminous blue colour of the flowers, as well as the refinement of its variegated foliage, will add elegance to your beds and balconies. Unfortunately, it is semi-hardy and disappears below -10°C (14°F), which is why it should be given a protected and south-facing location, and a thick mulch should be applied at its base. Whether in a bed, border, large rockery, pot, or planter, the 'Tinkerbell' Agapanthus is suitable for a wide range of uses. It is particularly adapted to mild coastal climates, preferring, however, the rainy summers of the Atlantic coast of our country to the long dry spells of the Mediterranean summer. It is very beautiful when combined with other white, mauve, or blue varieties in a minimalist decor. It is also very decorative in beds with an exotic feel, with Kniphofias,  Hemerocallis, and Phormiums. In harsher climates, grow it in a pot that can be stored indoors each winter.