Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™’: A Striking Addition to Your Garden
Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™‘, commonly known as Blackjack™ Agapanthus, belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. This family comprises herbaceous, perennial, and bulbous plants, many of which are native to the Southern Hemisphere. Agapanthus, commonly known as African Lily or Lily of the Nile, is native to South Africa. These plants are popular for their ornamental value, with their lush, strap-like foliage and spectacular, spherical flower heads.
Description
Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™’ is a stunning, semidwarf perennial known for its almost black buds that open into deep purple flowers. The plant’s attractive dark flowers bloom from spring to summer, providing a prolonged period of garden interest. The buds open into large, spherical umbels densely packed with up to a hundred individual florets, making it a standout feature in any garden or container.
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Spread: 18-24 inches
- Flower Color: Dark purple, almost black in bud
- Foliage: Evergreen, narrow, arching, and lush green
Ornamental Features
Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™’ has a striking floral display. The dark buds and deep purple flowers are set off beautifully by the plant’s narrow green foliage, creating a dramatic and elegant appearance. This variety is also evergreen, providing year-round interest.
- Bloom Time: Spring to summer
- Habit: Upright, sturdy stems
- Flower Characteristics: Dense, spherical umbels
Landscape Attributes
This Agapanthus variety is perfect for sunny summer borders and stylish containers on patios or decks. Its dark flowers and compact size make it an ideal accent plant, border plant, or container specimen. It attracts birds and butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden, and is also drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant, making it a resilient choice for various garden conditions.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8A-11B
- Water Needs: Medium
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Uses: Accent, border, container, cut flowers
Care Instructions for Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™‘:
Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™’ is relatively low maintenance but benefits from proper care to thrive and maintain its vibrant appearance.
- Sunlight: Plant in a location that receives full sun. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat.
- Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, especially in the first year after planting. Once established, the plant is drought tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering in very dry periods to ensure good flowering in the following year.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. Avoid planting in heavy clay or waterlogged areas.
- Fertilization: Feed yearly in spring with a balanced fertilizer. For container plants, use a liquid fertilizer diluted according to the instructions, and feed fortnightly from April until the flowers begin to show color.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. Cut back flowered stems and remove yellowed leaves as needed. In spring, prune to remove any dead or damaged foliage.
Overwintering
Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™’ is evergreen and hardy in USDA zones 8A-11B, but in colder areas, it requires protection from hard frosts. Plants grown in containers can be moved to a frost-free location, such as a cool greenhouse or conservatory, for the winter. In the ground, protect the plants with a thick mulch layer and horticultural fleece.
Propagation
Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™’ can be propagated through division or seed, although division is preferred to maintain the plant’s unique characteristics.
- Division: The best time to divide Agapanthus is in spring or early fall. Lift the plant carefully and separate the clumps, ensuring each division has a good number of roots and shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original plant and water well.
- Seed: Agapanthus can also be grown from seed, but the resulting plants may differ from the parent plant. Sow seeds in a well-draining seed compost and keep them moist. Germination can take several weeks to months, and the seedlings should be grown on until they are large enough to handle before transplanting.
Additional Notes
Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™’ is a versatile and striking addition to any garden. Its ability to thrive in various soil types, combined with its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements, make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels. The plant’s dark, dramatic flowers and evergreen foliage provide year-round interest, ensuring that Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™’ remains a standout feature in any landscape setting.
By incorporating Agapanthus ‘Blackjack™’ into your garden, you can enjoy the beauty of its deep purple flowers and lush green foliage, while also attracting pollinators and adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.