Agapanthus Africanus Pitchoune Blue African Lily

Agapanthus Africanus Pitchoune Blue is a compact semi-evergreen perennial African lily with large deep blue flowers on a compact mound of strappy leaves. It’s an excellent coastal or container plant that requires little care in return for a stunning summer display.

African lilies are native to South Africa’s coastal areas. They are not lilies, but a type of amaryllis. Their name derives from the ancient Greek ‘agape’ for love and ‘anthos’ for flower. Agapanthus was first introduced to Britain in the 1600s, and many cultivars have been developed since. This cultivar ‘Pitchoune Blue’ is notable for its compact habit but full-size rich blue flowers.

In spring, long green strappy leaves that are wider than other cultivars emerge from a perennial clump. They are followed in June by strong round stems topped with rich deep blue flower heads. Although the plant is compact, the flowers are full-sized reaching 10-15 centimetres in diameter. 

In autumn, stems die down to a mound for winter, but in milder areas of the south coast, its foliage may remain green over the cold months.

Height and Spread of Agapanthus Africanus Pitchoune Blue
African Lily Pitchoune Blue’s erect flower stems and leaves reach 60 centimetres in height and 45 centimetres in width.

How Hardy is Agapanthus Africanus Pitchoune Blue
In mild or sheltered areas this agapanthus remains evergreen, but it tends to die back in central to northern areas. It is capable of withstanding UK winters if its roots are well drained.

How To Use Agapanthus Africanus Pitchoune Blue
Agapanthus are an eye-catching addition to a coastal garden or a mixed border. Because Pitchoune Blue is bred to be a compact cultivar it won’t get too large in small spaces. Choose a mid or front-of-border spot in full sun and it will bloom from June to late September.
Pitchoune Blue is an excellent container plant that enjoys restricted roots. Use it to boost a sheltered balcony garden, deck or patio or create a splash of sky blue in a container courtyard.

How To Care For Agapanthus Africanus Pitchoune Blue
Agapanthus are easy to care for if they have a well-drained position, they do not like cold soggy roots and won’t flower in full shade. Choose a moist but well-drained spot in full sun with some shelter from cold drying winds and they will bloom abundantly across the summer months.
Apply organic mulch in spring and deadhead spent flowers as they go over. Be sure to water and feed pot-grown agapanthus regularly in summer and raise the pot of feet to aid drainage.