Family Amaryllidaceae
Garden origin
- Rich green deciduous strap-shaped leaves, flushed purple at their bases.
- Large globes of dark blue flowers held on tall stems.
- A hardy agapanthus, easy to grow in full sun and free draining soil and in pots.
One of the finest tall agapanthus varieties, with compact basal rosettes of broad strap-shaped deciduous leaves, with a dark purple flush at their base, giving them a unique and attractive appearance. The plant produces thick and sturdy stems that provide excellent support for the flowers, elevating them well above the foliage. The leaves themselves are a healthy dark green, fairly broad, with rounded tips. They form a dense mound, about 30cm tall, beneath the profusion of blooms.
The large, rich blue globe-shaped flowers are composed of densely packed individual trumpet-shaped blooms, emerging as dark purple buds alongside fully open trumpets, giving each flower head a two-tone richness of colour. Notably, each petal exhibits a darker blue stripe, which becomes prominent as the flower flares widely at its tip. ‘Northern Star’ generates numerous flowering stems, resulting in a continuous succession of blooms that can persist for over a month. After flowering, large green seed pods develop, gradually maturing to a tan color. These pods contribute to an architectural display that extends into late autumn.
Few plants encapsulate the essence of Mediterranean style as effectively as the African Lily. Its upright blooms infuse an architectural statement into any garden style, making it equally fitting for contemporary, coastal, and traditional English gardens. The rich coloration of ‘Northern Star’ contrasts perfectly with silver-leaved plants such as olives and yuccas, as well as with the vibrant oranges and yellows of Heleniums and Rudbeckias.
For optimal growth, plant this agapanthus in full sun and well-draining soil. It also excels in pots. To safeguard the large fleshy bulbs during winter, consider applying a protective mulch.
Height and spread after 2 – 5 years 1m x 50cm.
