How to Grow Agapanthus Bressingham Blue

Agapanthus Bressingham Blue

Agapanthus africanus 'Bressingham Blue'

flower

Agapanthus 'Bressingham Blue' is a compact ornamental perennial prized for its vibrant deep blue spherical flower heads held aloft on sturdy stems. This dwarf cultivar grows 18-24 inches tall, making it ideal for borders, containers, and small spaces while maintaining the classic elegance of agapanthus blooms. The strap-like green foliage provides attractive texture even when flowers are not present.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (tolerates partial shade in hot climates but blooms best in full sun)

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Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during growing season and flowering, reduce in winter. Allow soil to dry between waterings. In containers, water more frequently but never allow waterlogging.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days from planting to first flowering (may take 2-3 years to establish fully)

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Planting depth: Crown at soil surface; do not bury

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam or clay loam

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Coarse sand or perlite for drainage Compost for organic matter Grit or gravel in heavy clay soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 8-11; grows as container plant in colder zones

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Establishment

3-6 months

Newly planted divisions or young plants developing root system; foliage is sparse strap-like leaves

Water regularly to establish roots; avoid fertilizing heavily; ensure excellent drainage. Mulch lightly around base but keep crown clear.

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Plant develops dense mounds of glossy strap-like green foliage; no flowers yet

Water moderately during growing season; apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Remove any dead or damaged leaves. Plants may not flower until year 2-3.

Bud Formation

4-6 weeks

Flower stems begin to elongate; spherical buds form at stem tips in deep blue coloring

Increase watering as buds develop; apply high-potassium fertilizer to encourage flowering. Support tall stems if needed with stakes.

Flowering

6-8 weeks (typically July-September)

Stunning deep blue spherical flower heads (umbels) composed of 50+ tiny star-shaped flowers; blooms held on 18-24 inch stems

Maintain consistent moisture; deadhead spent flowers to encourage longer blooming and energy conservation. Stake stems if they bend. Enjoy the blooms for 6-8 weeks.

Senescence & Dormancy

3-4 months

Flower heads fade; seed heads develop; foliage begins to decline; plant enters dormancy in cooler zones

Reduce watering significantly; allow seed heads to remain for wildlife interest or remove to direct energy to roots. In mild climates, foliage remains evergreen; cut back dead leaves in spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Catmint (Nepeta) Lavender Russian Sage Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Ornamental grasses (Miscanthus, Stipa) Sedum

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring constant moisture (Hostas, Astilbe) Aggressive spreaders in the same bed (mint family)

Common Pests

Spray foliage with water; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Improve air circulation.
Remove by hand; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate container plants if infested.
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Handpick; use beer traps or copper barriers. Keep area free of excess mulch and debris.
Spray with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects.

Uses

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Not for consumption

Culinary

Agapanthus is ornamental only and not edible. All parts of the plant should not be ingested. [source]

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Cut flowers and dried arrangements

Household

The long-lasting spherical blue flower heads make exceptional cut flowers for fresh arrangements, lasting up to 10 days in water. Seed heads can also be dried for lasting dried floral arrangements. [source]

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Seed head crafting

Craft

Dried agapanthus seed heads and stems are beautiful in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects, adding texture and structure to designs. [source]

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Pollinator nectar source

Wildlife

The spherical clusters of flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the blooming season, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. [source]

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Container and border specimens

Household

The dwarf 'Bressingham Blue' cultivar is particularly valuable as a stunning container specimen or formal garden border plant, providing vertical interest and color with minimal maintenance. [source]

Harvest Tips

For cut flowers, harvest stems when the majority of flower buds have opened, cutting just above the base of the stem. Agapanthus flowers last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water. For seed collection, allow flower heads to dry completely on the plant, then harvest and store dry seed in cool conditions. For ornamental purposes, leave seed heads on plant through winter for visual interest and wildlife benefit.

Fun Facts

🌱 Agapanthus 'Bressingham Blue' is named after the famous Bressingham Steam Museum and plant nursery in Norfolk, England, where many ornamental cultivars have been developed and trialed.
🌱 A single agapanthus flower head (umbel) can contain over 100 individual tiny star-shaped florets arranged in a perfect sphere, creating one of nature's most geometrically stunning flower formations.
🌱 Agapanthus is sometimes called 'Lily of the Nile,' though it is neither a true lily nor actually native to the Nile region—it originates from South Africa and is now naturalized throughout Mediterranean climates worldwide.

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