Agapanthus praecox

Agapanthus praecox is an evergreen perennial from South Africa with magnificent umbels of blue trumpet-shaped flowers and wide strap-shaped leaves. First introduced to Britain in 1687 it is hardier than most South African plants and overwinters well in many parts of the the UK as far north as Yorkshire and has become an increasingly more familiar sight in British gardens with each passing year. It has fleshy rhizomatous roots which gradually form a large clump and prefers a moist but well-drained soil and a warm sheltered and sunny aspect. The spectacular blue flowers and dramatic glossy foliage look particularly good in large grouped plantings but should be divided every four or five years to maintain vigour. Division is best done in September after flowering and is not especially easy as the thick fleshy roots become tightly woven together.

Agapanthus are heavy feeders and respond well to potash-based feeding during spring and summer to encourage them to flower. They prefer to be well-watered throughout the growing season but are excellent drought-tolerant plants when water is in short supply. In more northerly locations or during extreme weather it is advisable to winter mulch the plants for warmth and added protection. Bark chippings or straw/leaves are ideal. Agapanthus look good in containers - particularly terracotta containers - but if grown this way they will need - in all but the most southerly of locations - to be brought inside to overwinter in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Always choose a container that doesn't recurve in on itself as you will never be able to remove them from such a pot to divide or transplant them.