AGAPANTHUS umbellatus Blue

Description and Characteristics

Agapanthus umbellatus 'Blue', also referred to simply as African Lily 'Blue', is a classic and highly decorative perennial known for its rounded clusters of sky to deep-blue flowers held aloft on tall, sturdy stems. The flowers, borne in generous umbels, bloom during the height of summer, offering strong vertical interest and a rich splash of cool-toned colour.

A clump-forming plant with strap-like, mid-green foliage, Agapanthus umbellatus grows to a height of approximately 80–100 cm and spreads 40–60 cm, making it a versatile choice for borders, containers, and urban or coastal planting schemes. The lush foliage and spherical blooms create an architectural effect, making it a favourite for modern garden designs as well as traditional borders.

It is also highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and when grown in pots, its flowers can be positioned prominently in outdoor living spaces.

• Rounded umbels of clear to deep blue, trumpet-shaped flowers

• Long, strappy green leaves forming dense clumps

• Blooming time: July to September

• Height: 80–100 cm; Spread: 40–60 cm

• Hardy in mild climates (Zones 8–10); needs winter protection elsewhere

• Excellent for containers, mixed borders, and pollinator gardens

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Agapanthus umbellatus 'Blue' is a reliable and fairly low-maintenance perennial that thrives in sunny positions and well-drained soil. While it will grow in the ground, it also performs exceptionally well in containers.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for best flowering

  • Tolerates light partial shade, especially in very hot regions

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers free-draining, fertile soil

  • Tolerates sandy, chalky, or loamy soil types

  • In containers, use a loam-based compost with added grit for drainage

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during active growth and flowering

  • Allow the surface of the soil to dry between waterings

  • Reduce watering after flowering and during dormancy in winter

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser in spring

  • From late spring onward, switch to a high-potash fertiliser (like tomato feed) every 2–3 weeks to promote flowering

  • Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen, which may reduce flowering and promote excess foliage

• Pruning and Deadheading:

  • Remove spent flowers to tidy the plant and encourage potential reblooming

  • Cut back flower stems to the base after flowering is finished

  • Remove yellow or damaged leaves as needed

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy to around -5°C to -10°C (Zones 8–10); needs protection in colder areas

  • In colder regions, lift pots into a frost-free place or insulate with fleece/bubble wrap

  • Mulch plants grown in the ground to protect the crown

Design Applications, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Agapanthus umbellatus 'Blue' provides a strong visual presence in both formal and relaxed garden settings. Its upright form and clear blue colouring make it ideal for contrasting or complementary colour schemes.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Ideal for borders, Mediterranean gardens, modern container displays, and urban spaces

  • Excellent planted in repetition along walkways or in front of low walls

  • Well-suited for coastal gardens due to salt and wind tolerance

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, salvia, lavender, eryngium, and perovskia

  • Contrasts well with warm colours like crocosmia, rudbeckia, or helenium

  • Complements silver-foliage plants such as artemisia or stachys

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Offers mid- to late-summer nectar when other flowers may be fading

• Cut Flower Use:

  • Long-lasting blooms (7–10 days) in fresh arrangements

  • Harvest when the first buds open for maximum longevity

• Propagation and Longevity:

  • Divide clumps every 4–5 years in early spring or autumn

  • Can also be grown from seed, though seedlings may take 2–3 years to flower

  • Best flowering occurs when roots are crowded, particularly in containers

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Rarely affected by slugs or snails

  • Root rot can occur if overwatered or left in saturated soil

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.