Agapanthus Zambezi

Agapanthus praecox 'Zambezi', developed from a South African breeding programme, has quickly won over garden enthusiasts with its particularly attractive foliage. Its broad, ribbon-like, evergreen leaves display a unique variegation: a cream to pale yellow band runs along the midrib, while the margins are golden. Even when not in flower, this clump of variegated leaves is eye-catching and brings light to beds and patios.

Agapanthus praecox 'Zambezi' was selected by Keith Kirsten Horticulture International in South Africa. It is sold under the brand Design Edge®. 'Zambezi' was discovered in a trial field, then selected for its variegation, and stabilised over the years to ensure its unique ornamental character. This cultivar was shortlisted for the prestigious RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2025, an award that testifies to its originality, the quality of its foliage and its strong garden value.
In summer, sturdy flower stems rise well above the foliage, bearing large spherical umbels of mauve-blue. These 12 to 15 cm diameter flowers are also highly prized as cut flowers. Relatively compact Agapanthus 'Zambezi' reaches 50 to 70 cm in height when in flower with an equivalent spread.
Like all agapanthus, it enjoys full sun and fertile, deep, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once well established, it nevertheless proves more floriferous if given regular watering during the growing season. It is hardy to around –5 °C: in cold regions, it is advisable to grow it in a container or protect it with a fleece and a thick mulch in winter.

In contemporary or Mediterranean-style gardens, Agapanthus 'Zambezi' is a great choice for illuminating beds, terraces and patios, as a specimen plant or in association with other architectural perennials. Its variegated foliage pairs well with grasses such as Stipa tenuifolia or Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'; they add movement and soften its structured lines. To play on foliage contrasts, group it with dark heucheras (Heuchera 'Obsidian') or chartreuse euphorbias (Euphorbia characias). Its flowering pairs perfectly with that of night-blue agapanthus, such as 'Midnight Blue' or white ones like 'Pitchoune White'. Planted near lavender, eryngiums or olive trees in pots, it integrates well into both Mediterranean displays and more contemporary settings.