Agapanthus inapertus or the drooping agapanthus is an attractive, tuberous plant which occurs naturally in open grassland and on forest margins. It often occurs in mountainous, rocky areas and is common along the Drakensberg Escarpment.
The plants form dense clumps after a number of years with 6-8 leaves per shoot. The leaves are narrow, strap-shaped, grey-green and form a stem at the base of the plant. They are usually arranged in a fan shape and may be up to 500mm long. Unlike the more commonly cultivated agapanthus, the drooping agapanthus is deciduous and goes completely dormant in the dry winter months.
This Agapanthus has long-stemmed umbels (up to 1,5m) of pendulous flowers that can vary in colour from white to almost navy blue. Many colour varieties are recognised in the trade.
Agapanthus inapertus attracts sunbirds. Traditionally it is used as a good luck charm.
Plant it amongst grasses or on a rockery for the best effect. It will not do well in warmer parts of the country.
You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.
