 Agapanthus 'Headbourne Hybrids' $7.95
- common name: lily of the Nile
- flowering season: summer into fall
- height: 16 to 30 inches
- Light requirements: full sun, afternoon shade where summer are very hot
- Soil requirements: average
- Water requirments: during summer, more than average water is needed especially when grown in a pot; during winter it needs well drained soil
- Growth habit: grows as a widening clump
- How to propagate: dividing in early summer, older potted plants can be difficult to remove from their pots because their roots grow so thickly -- a sharp knife to cut the outer perimeter of roots might be necessary
- Leaf type: long, strap-like green leaves
- Ways to use it such as in a pot or otherwise: the round heads of blue flowers are a big highlight in the summer garden
- Special characteristics: 'Headbourne Hybrids' is more cold hardy than agapanthuses that are usually seen; they are winter hardy to USDA Zone 6, and possibly to Zone 5 in favored locations
- Other points of interests: the cut flowers last well in a bouquet
Until 'Headbourne Hybrids,' the most commonly seen Agapanthus were forms of the large flowered A.africanus or A.praecox (previously known as A.umbellatus). These are evergreen and originally came from the coastal regions and although they are the largest cultivars, they cannot take much cold. 'Headbourne Hybrids' is deciduous with no leaves over winter. Because of this it can take more cold, to USDA Zone 6 in well drained ground. It is based upon the species, A. campanulatus, that is native to higher and colder areas. Its leaves are narrower and its flower heads are considerably smaller, but makes up for any shortcomings in size by the sheer volume and exuberance of flower. It makes an excellent and easy plant for any well drained, fertile soil in full sun. Its height is 18 to 30 inches. We would recommend applying a balanced liquid fertilizer each month from spring through summer. Keeping the plant well watered during long periods of dry weather is essential. It makes an excellent cut flower. In a garden it is particularly striking combined with pink and white flowers, or for the more daring, combined with bright orange flowers. |
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