Alright, I know there has been a little gap in our plant of the week posts. I blame a months worth of European travels. But now that I'm settling into life in Valencia, Plant Of The Week will once again be weekly! Its easy to be inspired in this ancient city. I had to look no further than the plaza in front of our apartment, where I found this beauty...
Agapanthus, also known as Lily of the Nile, is one of my all time favorite bloomers! These, along with bougainvilla {check back next week!}, are reason enough pack up and head for a sunnier climate. Stunning firework-like blossoms emerge from the evergreen foliage in early summer. Depending on the variety, blooms can range from dark to light purple and white. Even though they are only hardy in USDA zones 8-11, they are definitely a worthwhile purchase for gardeners in less temperate climates. While obviously showy in planting beds, they also make wonderful focal points in containers. Try them as an alternative to a draceana spike. Dwarf varieties like 'Peter Pan' and 'Baby Pete' are the better for smaller containers, if you're planting with companion plants. Or you can let larger varieties like 'Midnight Blue' and 'Blue Storm' steal the show in solo plantings or bigger containers. As an added bonus Agapanthus is a great cutting flower that you can add to any bouquet. Bring a little bit summer color to your garden and your kitchen counter!
USDA zones: 8-11
Exposure: full sun
Bloom time: early summer to fall
Photo attribution: my husband, Marcus Draper
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