Agapanthus Windsor Grey

The Agapanthus, also known as Agapanthus Windsor Grey, is a stunning perennial plant with an attractive charm. It has large umbels that can grow up to 18 cm (7.1 in) wide, comprising bluish-white flowers with a tinge of grey. The flowers look like they are sprinkled with silver glitter that sparkles when the sun shines. Each little flower turns slightly pink before it fades away. This Agapanthus variety has sturdy stems that grow on wide, light green, semi-evergreen foliage. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and be grown in the ground in most regions with winter protection.

This new hybrid agapanthus is a plant created by cross-breeding various species that originate from South Africa. It belongs to the lily family and has a bulbous shape. The plant is relatively hardy, and its foliage partially disappears in autumn. The 'Windsor Grey' variety is an exceptional form of this plant. It is first noticed for its vigorous habit and then for its grey umbels that brighten and come alive with iridescent reflections in the sun. The plant develops from a short rhizome with fleshy roots. It forms a tuft with a bushy habit, composed of broad, light green, semi-evergreen to deciduous ribbon-shaped leaves. When in bloom, it can reach a height of at least 1 m (3.3 ft) and a diameter of 60 cm (23.6 in). 

The plant blooms in the second half of summer when its robust and wide floral stems appear, crowned with spherical umbels containing 20 to 50 bell-shaped flowers. The colour of the flowers is somewhat indescribable, intermediate between milky white and grey. In the sunlight, iridescent pigments embedded in the flesh of the petals can be distinguished, making this colour particularly fascinating. 

This bulbous plant is hardy up to approximately -10°C, provided it is planted in well-drained soil and a sheltered position.

Agapanthus 'Windsor Grey' is a versatile plant used as a background or at the back of a border. It can be surrounded by low-growing perennials with grey foliage or used to edge pathways with creeping plants such as Ceraistes, Artemisias, Creeping Euonymus, or Aubrietas. It becomes more beautiful when paired with grasses like Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blue' or Schizachyrium scoparium with stunning foliage. It can also be grown in large pots on the terrace, producing numerous floral stems and can be stored indoors during winter to protect it from heavy frosts. This plant can thrive in different settings, such as by the sea, in an English cottage, or a contemporary-style city garden. The flowers and leaves can be cut and placed in a vase, adding freshness and originality to the house.