Common name: African lily

Description: Agapanthus ‘Queen Mum’ is a tall, stately herbaceous perennial producing large, dense, rounded umbels of striking bicoloured flowers white trumpet-shaped blooms with vivid violet-blue bases held on stiff, upright stems reaching 100120cm above the clump of arching, strap-shaped, dark green leaves in mid to late summer. The bold white-and-blue contrast makes it one of the most eye-catching agapanthus cultivars available, equally impressive massed in a sunny border or grown as a specimen in a large container. The tall flowering stems and rounded flowerheads have a strong architectural quality that brings structure and height to summer planting schemes.

Other benefits: superb cut flower, architectural upright habit, excellent for coastal gardens, suitable for large containers, long-lasting flowerheads, deer and rabbit resistant

Wildlife attraction: Bumblebees and butterflies are strongly attracted to the flowers throughout the summer season.

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 100120cm x 6075cm (flowering stems to 120cm; foliage clump to approximately 60cm)

Position: Full sun in a warm, sheltered position; a south- or west-facing aspect is ideal. In colder areas of the UK, the shelter of a sunny wall offers valuable additional protection.

Soil pH: Neutral; remarkably adaptable to a wide range of soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided drainage is good.

Moisture: Moist but well-drained; water well during the growing season, particularly in dry spells. Good winter drainage is essential waterlogged soil over winter can damage or kill the crown.

Winter hardiness: Hardy to around -10C (H4); fully hardy in mild regions and coastal gardens. In colder areas apply a generous winter mulch over the crown, or move container-grown plants under cover from November until late April.