Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Herbaceous Perennial

Agapanthus 'Barley Blue'

African lily 'Barley Blue'

An evergreen herbaceous perennial, with a compact growing habit with mid green, strap-shaped leaves. Short, erect stems hold umbels of trumpet-shaped light blue flowers in summer

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Agapanthus are clump-forming perennials with narrowly strap-shaped leaves, evergreen in some species, and erect stems bearing umbels of funnel-shaped blue or white flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. In cold areas mulch hardy hybrids in winter. In containers, grow in peat-free, loam-based compost. Apply a balanced liquid feed monthly from spring until flowering. For more information see agapanthus cultivation. May need winter protection

Propagation

Propagate by seed when ripe in autumn or spring and keep seedlings in cold frame overwinter - they will flower in 2-3years or Propagate by division every three to four years in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

In late autumn remove or tidy up any remaining leaves, but seedheads can be left as they look attractive over winter

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails and agapanthus gall midge

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.