Description

Family Amaryllidaceae
Garden origin

• Low-growing, bright green deciduous grass-like leaves, form a compact clump.
• Globes of bright blue flowers are held on slender stems.
• Easy to grow in full sun and free draining soil and in pots.

A useful hardy, lower-growing Agapanthus, with compact basal rosettes of slender strap-shaped deciduous leaves, boasting a bright cheerful green hue. Growing vigorously, they create mounds of fresh foliage, serving as a backdrop for the flowers. Slender yet sturdy flowering stems emerge in midsummer, providing excellent support for the flowers that rise above the lush, spreading clump, only reaching about 15cm tall, beneath the profusion of blooms.

The intense mid-blue globe-shaped flowers consist of many trumpet-shaped blooms. Notably, they only reach 50 – 60cm tall, smaller than other African Lily flowers, but compensate with a long, profuse flowering period. ‘Tom Thumb’ generates numerous flowering stems, offering a continuous succession of blooms that can persist for up to well over a month. Post-flowering, large green seed pods develop, gradually maturing to tan, adding to the architectural display that extends into late autumn.

The African Lily epitomizes Mediterranean style, infusing an architectural statement into any garden style, fitting for contemporary, coastal, and traditional English gardens. The brilliant blue of this variety contrasts well with silver-leaved plants like olives and yuccas and darker foliage plants such as Ophiopogon and Phormium ‘Black Velvet’. Its long flowering season and ground-covering habit make it ideal for achieving full, planting schemes with colour at every level.

Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, or pots for optimal growth. Apply protective mulch to safeguard large fleshy bulbs during winter.

Height and spread after 2 – 5 years 50cm x 40cm.