Agapanthus, also known as Lilies of the Nile (although they are not, in fact, lilies), derive their formal name from the Greek for ‘love flower’. That gives them a particular place in my heart. And now mine are in full bloom on the roof terrace, facing out to sea. Sky, sea, flowers – all in the most glorious shades of blue. Heaven.
I knew it was going to be difficult to find a plant that could withstand the rigorous demands of a high-rise terrace whipped by salt-laden winds. And I do mean whipped, as I discovered to my cost when I was blown back against a wall by its full ferocity. But since the agapanthus found their new home last November, they have withstood snow, freezing temperatures, blazing heat and gale-force winds, and have still come out winning.
One reason is their strappy leaves, which bend obligingly with the wind. I’m trialling a few tall grasses for the same reason. Broad-leaved plants would be buffeted to death, while any plant with a fragile stem would simply snap in two. I have planted the agapanthus en masse in pots, and now the terrace is a pool of different blues from palest sky to deep, inky indigo.
Agapanthus grow beautifully in pots. However, be careful not to plant them in too big a container, as they like to be a little constrained and will not flower if their thick, snaking white roots – like Medusa’s hair, a little alarming at first sight – are unable to find purchase.
They are sociable creatures, and don’t mind over-crowding. Bigger is not always better when it comes to potting up plants, so they only need re-potting every few years. But they do like a liquid feed every week during spring and summer if they are to be at their best.
As they hail from Africa, agapanthus are true sun worshippers. They will stubbornly refuse to flower and sulk furiously if planted in shade. They also don’t like getting their feet wet, so well-drained soil, supplemented by a few handfuls of horticultural grit mixed in with potting compost, best suits their sunny temperament.
There are two varieties – herbaceous and evergreen – of which evergreen is the more tender and needs a little cosseting in the winter, particularly in colder regions. But I simply pack some compost around their leaves like a duvet and leave them to it.
The ‘love flower’ is beautiful, obliging and undemanding. If only love was so easy