How to Grow Wedgewood Blue
Wedgewood Blue
Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis 'Wedgewood Blue'
flowerWedgewood Blue is a compact cultivar of Agapanthus featuring striking deep blue flowers held in spherical umbels above attractive strappy green foliage. This ornamental perennial is prized for its dramatic color, long blooming period, and ability to thrive in containers or garden beds. It's an excellent choice for adding vertical interest and bold color to landscapes.
When should you plant Wedgewood Blue in your zone?
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Example Wedgewood Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wedgewood Blue
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Wedgewood Blue blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wedgewood Blue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11; hardy to zone 8 with protection
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Get my Wedgewood Blue timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsPlant develops root system and produces vegetative growth with strappy green leaves emerging from the base.
Water regularly to establish roots. Mulch around base. Do not expect flowers in first year.
Vegetative Growth (Year 2)
12 monthsClump expands with increased leaf production. Plant strengthens and may produce first flower stems.
Continue consistent watering. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring. Remove any dead foliage.
Pre-flowering (Late Spring)
2-4 weeksFlower buds form atop tall stems, visible as small green spheres emerging above the foliage.
Increase watering slightly. Apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage blooming. Stake tall stems if needed in windy locations.
Flowering (Summer)
6-8 weeksSpectacular deep blue spherical flower heads (umbels) open, displaying hundreds of small star-shaped individual flowers. Blooms last 6-8 weeks.
Maintain consistent moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Support tall stems if necessary.
Seed Development & Dormancy (Fall-Winter)
4-6 monthsFlowers fade and seed pods develop. Foliage begins to recede. Plant enters semi-dormancy in cooler regions.
Reduce watering significantly. Leave seed heads for visual interest if desired, or remove for neater appearance. Avoid fertilizing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, treat with neem oil or insecticide
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and
Remove by hand at night, use copper barriers, apply diatomaceous earth
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves, apply fungicide if needed
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryAgapanthus flowers are edible and can be used as decorative garnish for salads and desserts, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor and attractive presentation to culinary dishes. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe long-lasting blue spherical flower heads make exceptional cut flowers for fresh arrangements and are also excellent for drying, maintaining their color for dried floral displays. [source]
Dried Floral Crafts
CraftSeed heads and dried flowers are popular in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and floral crafts, maintaining their structure and color for extended periods. [source]
Pollinator Garden
WildlifeAgapanthus attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for supporting beneficial insects and creating a wildlife-friendly garden. [source]
Landscape Accent
HouseholdThe striking deep blue flowers and architectural foliage make Wedgewood Blue an ideal focal point in gardens, borders, containers, and coastal landscapes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Wedgewood Blue is not harvested in the traditional sense. Cut flowers for arrangements when blooms are fully open and bright blue. Collect seed heads in fall if desired for dried arrangements or seed saving. Divide established clumps in spring every 4-5 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Agapanthus gets its name from Greek words 'agape' (love) and 'anthos' (flower), meaning 'flower of love,' and has been cultivated for centuries primarily in Mediterranean and South African gardens.
- 🌱 The spherical flower heads (umbels) contain hundreds of individual star-shaped flowers that open progressively over several weeks, creating a long display period.
- 🌱 Wedgewood Blue is particularly well-suited to container growing and coastal gardens, tolerating salt spray and sandy, poor soils better than many other ornamental perennials.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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