Agapanthus 'Big Blue' Seeds
If you want to recreate that glorious feeling of a sun-drenched Cornish holiday, a Mediterranean terrace overlooking the sea, or a sophisticated coastal garden where tender exotics flourish, Agapanthus is absolutely essential. 'Big Blue' is a particularly vigorous, statement-making variety that genuinely lives up to its name, producing impressively large, perfectly spherical flower heads of deep violet-blue trumpet flowers that look like fireworks frozen in mid-explosion against the summer sky.
Held proudly high on strong, sturdy stems above clumps of elegant, strap-like foliage, these architectural blooms add instant height and drama to sunny borders or patio containers. They're incredibly robust and drought-tolerant once properly established, virtually pest and disease free, and are famously one of the very few plants that actually flower significantly better when their roots are slightly restricted and congested in a pot—which makes them absolutely perfect for container gardening on terraces and balconies.
🌿 Understanding the Plant
Agapanthus 'Big Blue' is an Evergreen Herbaceous Perennial. Unlike deciduous types that disappear in winter, this variety keeps its broad, mid-green leaves all year round in most parts of the UK.
Stately Presence: This is a large variety, with flower stems reaching up to 1.5 metres (5 feet). Each bloom features a distinctive darker blue mid-rib down each petal, creating a rich, multi-tonal sapphire effect.
Drought Tolerant: Originating from Southern Africa, Agapanthus has evolved to handle heat and dry spells beautifully. Once established, they are very low-maintenance and naturally resistant to most garden pests.
🌱 Growing Guide
Growing Agapanthus from seed is a journey for the patient gardener, but it is the most rewarding way to fill a garden with these stately plants.
How to Sow: Sow indoors from March to May for the best start. Surface sow the seeds onto moist, well-drained seed compost and cover very lightly with a fine dusting of grit or vermiculite. They need light to trigger germination. Keep them warm (around 18-21°C) and be patient—sprouts can take 2-4 weeks to appear.
Planting Out: Once the seedlings are large enough and the danger of frost has passed in late May or June, plant them into their final sunny spot or into large pots. Space them 45-60cm apart.
Ongoing Care: Full Sun: They absolutely crave full sun! In the UK, a south or west-facing position is ideal to ensure they flower profusely. Winter Protection: While hardy to H5, we recommend a thick mulch of straw or leaf mould over the crown in autumn to protect them from the harshest winter frosts.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Agapanthus 'Big Blue' |
| Common Name | African Lily / Lily of the Nile |
| Plant Type | Evergreen Perennial |
| Hardiness | H5 (Hardy through most of the UK) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | 1m - 1.5m (Tall) |
| Spread | 50cm - 100cm |
| Spacing | Plant 60cm apart |
| Flowering Period | July to September |
| Perfect For | 🏺 Large Containers 🏰 Sun-drenched Borders 🐝 Pollinators |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 50 seeds |
🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations
The stately blue globes of Agapanthus thrive alongside these sunshine-loving companions from our collection:
💜 Verbena bonariensis: The Airy Haze. The tall, wiry purple clusters of Verbena float beautifully alongside the solid blue globes of Agapanthus, creating a sophisticated, see-through layered effect.
🔵 Globe Thistle (Echinops): The Blue Texture Duo. Combine the metallic steel-blue spheres of Echinops with the trumpet-flowered globes of 'Big Blue' for an architectural and bee-friendly display.
🌸 Rudbeckia 'Bravado': The Warm Contrast. The rosy-purple daisy heads and orange cones of Rudbeckia provide a wonderful colour contrast and grounding shape to the vertical Agapanthus stems.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
UK Perennial Cycle: Sow indoors Spring. Plant out late Spring/Summer. Flowers July to September.
✂️ Architectural Seed Heads
Once the flowers fade, don't rush to cut the stems back! The architectural seed heads look absolutely stunning when left standing through the winter, especially when touched by a morning frost. They provide wonderful winter interest and structure to a dormant garden.
🐝 Pollinator Magnet
Agapanthus is a favourite for honey bees and bumblebees. Its tubular flowers provide a rich source of nectar during the late summer months when other food sources can be scarce.
🏰 Build Your Cottage Garden
Essential for that traditional, stately look. Browse our full range: Perennial Seeds Collection
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£3.20 - Regular price
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