Agapanthus comptonii 'Headbourne Hybrids'

Photo: Blackstem Plants

Agapanthus comptonii

'Headbourne Hybrids'

Lily of the Nile

The 'Headbourne Hybrids' were bred by Lewis Palmer, son of the Earl of Selbourne, in his garden at Headbourne Worthy near Winchester. Lewis was a generous chap who gave away many of his seedlings. They rapidly became a mainstay of the refined, perennial border.

These South African lilies only survive in very well-drained soil. The slightest hint of water-logging and they rot. Site them in a warm spot and prepare the ground with plenty of grit and rich compost. They are not completely drought tolerant and a fertile soil with a little moisture helps them establish. Over time, the arching, fresh-green strap-like leaves form a glorious clump from which tall stems, bearing bright blue trumpets, emerge in mid summer. A protective mulch in winter is a very good idea. They make wonderful specimens for tubs as they don't mind a little overcrowding but wrap the container during winter as tubs can freeze solid.

£ 10.00