Agapanthus Purple Heart

Agapanthus 'Purple Heart' is a variety of Agapanthus that is not very tall, but has large, dense umbels and an unusual colour. Rather hardy like all deciduous Agapanthus, this pretty plant bears inflorescences where each flower of bright violet colour reveals a lilac purple interior streaked with violet. This selection will easily find its place in the garden, even when space is limited, or in a nice pot on the terrace. It blooms in summer in full sun, in ordinary well-drained soil that remains moist.

Agapanthus are plants of the lily family native to South Africa. Several species have been extensively hybridized by horticulturists in search of new colours, more compact and hardier plants, better adapted to our climates. The 'Purple Heart' cultivar develops and multiplies rapidly from a stump with fleshy rhizomes, forming from spring onwards a dense clump of linear foliage, a bright light green colour, at least 40-50cm (16-20in) in diameter, expanding over time. Flowering takes place in summer, in July-August. Numerous strong floral stems of about 60cm (24in) in height emerge from the foliage clump. They bear at their tips hemispherical umbels composed of many purple buds opening into campanulate flowers of a good size for an Agapanthus. Each flower is composed of 6 petals crossed by a well-visible violet median line inside the fully open corollas. The foliage of this deciduous variety completely disappears in winter.

Agapanthus 'Purple Heart' will quickly become a star of the garden: with its brightly coloured inflorescences that stand out from a well-filled clump, it is impossible to miss. In addition to its generous flowering, it has good hardiness, up to about -10°C (14°F). This plant will bring an exotic touch to borders. It will easily adapt in many regions that are not too cold, especially if its stump is protected by a thick mulch in winter. Whether in a border, as an edging, in a large rockery, in a pot or planter, Agapanthus is suitable for a wide range of uses. It is particularly suited to mild coastal climates. 'Purple Heart' is very beautiful when associated with other compact varieties in deep blue, mauve or white in a minimalist setting. It is also very decorative in borders with an exotic feel, with Kniphofias, Daylilies, grasses, and Cannas.