Agapanthus umbellatus

Cool down those hot summer days with a wash of chilled out blue Agapanthus umbellatus, also known as the African lily or Lily of the Nile. A real jewel of the summer garden, it bursts into bloom from midsummer onwards with dozens of tiny lavender blue trumpets on short spikes, gathered into a large ball of colour. These dreamy blue Agapanthus flowerheads are held on upright stems at a useful mid-height, perfect for planting in  borders with smaller plants in front and taller plants behind.

These drought tolerant plants enjoy a hot, sunny position, African lilies don't mind being a bit cramped and can cope with a poor, free-drianing soil, so they'll also be perfectly happy in a narrow bed along a wall and will grow in patio containers for years. Each tiny trumpet in this garden orchestra is finely detailed and delicate, it’s six lavender petals creating dainty beauty around the centre from which the lavender stamens extend. All in all, the intricate flowerheads of Agapanthus umbellatus (syn. Agapanthus africanus) intricate flowerheads can reach around 20cm in size, making it a compelling feature from afar as well as up close!