One of the hardier agapanthus. Position: full sun Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers) Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to August Hardiness: frost hardy (may need protection in winter) Large, rounded clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers, each banded with violet-blue and deep purple stripes along the length of their petals, appear on stout, upright stems in summer. One of the hardier agapanthus, the purple-flushed foliage of 'Northern Star' will die back to below ground level each year in autumn, before reappearing again in the spring. Garden care: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser throughout the growing season.Towards the end of September ease back on the watering and feeding of plants in containers to allow the foliage to toughen up.Keep reasonably dry during the winter and protect the crowns with a dry mulch in the autumn. Divide plants that have become too big in spring, but remember you will often get more flowers when the roots are constricted.
