Agapanthus Vallée de lAuthion

Agapanthus 'Vallée de l'Authion' is a flowering plant that produces large flowers in summer, a lavender blue colour that is almost evanescent reminiscent of Mediterranean skies. They rise above a beautiful clump of ribbon-like leaves that remain decorative in winter. Like all evergreen Agapanthus, this variety is not very hardy, but less demanding in water than deciduous varieties. Particularly suited to the Atlantic coast or the Mediterranean coast, this selection also adapts perfectly to pot culture, which allows it to overwinter in colder regions. And its flowers make beautiful bouquets. 

Agapanthus are plants from the lily family native to South Africa. Several species have been extensively hybridized by horticulturists in search of new colours, more compact and hardier plants, better adapted to our climates. The cultivar 'Vallée de l'Authion' was selected by P. Turc in Anjou, France. This variety is named after a river in Anjou. This perennial plant develops and multiplies rapidly from a stump with fleshy rhizomes, forming over time a dense clump of linear foliage, a bright and shiny green, about 50cm (20in) in all directions. The abundant flowering takes place between late June and late August depending on the climate. Numerous cylindrical flowering stems about 80-90cm (32-35in) high emerge from the foliage clump. They bear at their tips hemispherical umbels 15-20cm (6-8in) in diameter, composed of numerous trumpet-shaped flowers. Each flower is composed of 6 fused petals forming a tube at the base, a light blue with lavender nuances, crossed by a darker line. The shiny and bright green foliage of this variety persists in winter. 

Agapanthus 'Vallée de l'Authion' has a strong impact in the garden or on the terrace, especially in a contemporary or exotic setting. This new variety will easily adapt in our mild regions, especially if its stump is protected by a thick winter mulch. Whether in a mass planting, as a border, in a large rock garden, in a pot or planter, Agapanthus is suitable for a variety of uses. It is particularly well suited to coastal climates. 'Vallée de l'Authion' is very beautiful when associated with other blue, mauve or white varieties in a sleek setting. It is also very decorative in exotic-themed plantings with Dianella, Kniphofias, Hemerocallis, grasses and Cannas.