I've planted nearly every type of agapanthus, and can safely say these are the 6 very best varieties to grow for extraordinary sculptural displays

All agapanthus varieties are beautiful, that's the long and short of it. To this day, I've never seen one I dislike or one that has disappointed. That is a rare thing to be able to say about any plant species.

Knowing how to grow agapanthus and understanding the rudiments of this genus boils down to two main rules: they like sun, they dislike cold. But what particular agapanthus cultivar to pick when heading to the nursery? There are whoppers, reaching well over four feet tall, and dainty, compact varieties that offer a different aesthetic appeal altogether.

Here, I have chosen the six best agapanthus varieties I would keep my eyes peeled for before any others, each chosen for its ornamental, structural, and wildlife benefits.

1. Agapanthus africanus 'Black Jack'

Agapanthus africanus 'Black Jack' is a true phenomenon. Named the RHS Chelsea Flower Show plant of the year 2023, it's not hard to see why.

Its huge one metre high stems are topped with intensely velvety, dark violet inflorescences. These globe-like flowers are denser and more abundant than usually seen in most agapanthus varieties, and last an astonishingly long time, blooming non-stop all summer long as if compelled to do so.

Best for: The best statement-making Agapanthus with an abundance of long-lasting flower heads

Height: 90cm (36in)

Flowers: June - September

Where to buy: You can buy Agapanthus 'Black Jack' from Edenerseeds.

2. Agapanthus 'Delft Blue'

Agapanthus 'Delft Blue', named after the Delft pottery from the Netherlands, with which it shares the same color palette, produces spherical clusters of stunning, trumpet-shaped blossoms flushed with pale blue. It is truly one of the prettiest agapanthus varieties out there.

In well-drained soil and full sun, it is extremely free-flowering from June to October. Although it prefers to be covered in winter, as it dislikes frost, it will return year after year with even more vigor and flowering potential.

Best for: The most beautiful pottery blue color that attracts pollinators in their droves

Height: 80cm (31in)

Flowers: June - October

Where to buy: You can buy Agapanthus 'Delf Blue' from Easy to Grow Bulbs.

3. Agapanthus 'Emerald Ice'

Agapanthus 'Emerald Ice' is an impossibly beautiful lime green and white Agapanthus - the only one of its kind.

It looks stunning in white garden schemes and even more captivating when grown in large terracotta pots. Agapanthus 'Emerald Ice' has masses of strappy leaves that will be on display for most of the summer, so when it comes to companion planting, especially in pots, be sure to pick something that won't compete for space.

Best for: White gardens, white borders, and container gardening

Height: 50cm (19in)

Flowers: July- October

Where to buy:

4. Agapanthus 'Queen Mum'

‘Queen Mum’ is a particularly impressive agapanthus variety with explosions of enormous firework-like clusters of dual colored flowers. When planted en masse, it is simply sumptuous.

The sculptural seed heads look beautiful even after the flowers fade, so it is great at providing winter architectural shapes in the garden.

The only downside to this remarkable plant is that it is particularly unsettled by frost, so covering it in some horticultural fleece over the coldest months is wise. You can buy garden fleece at Amazon.

Best for: Mass planting in large drifts throughout borders and walkways

Height: 1.2m (47in)

Flowers: July - late September

Where to Buy: You can purchase Agapanthus 'Queen Mum' at Wilson Bros. Nurseries.

5. Agapanthus 'Twister'

Despite its ubiquity, 'Twister' continues to be one of the most favored agapanthus varieties among designers. It is somewhat similar to 'Queen Mum' in coloring, but other than that, the two agapanthus varieties share very few other characteristics.

'Twister' has far more compact flowers, so it is less visually arresting than 'Queen Mum', but no less pretty.

It lasts well over three weeks in a vase, so it makes the perfect cut flower, and is a magnet for hummingbirds, honey bees, and always seems to be aflutter with colorful butterflies.

One of the most graceful container ideas I have seen is 'Twister' paired with the sparkly, butterfly shapes of oenothera and the silvery gray foliage of artemisia. A stunner of a pot.

Best for: Cut flower displays

Height: 60cm (23in)

Flowers: June - early September

Where to Buy: You can purchase Agapanthus 'Twister' at Dutch Grown

6. Agapanthus 'Dr Brouwer'

Agapanthus 'Dr Brouwer' is a handsome, dark-stemmed variety which flushes into flower late in the summer. The umbel-shaped blossoms morph from a pretty lilac shade to a dashing royal blue.

It is hardier than other cultivars, so you will most likely find that it needs no winter protection at all. Its robust nature makes it perfect for coastal gardens and more exposed plots.

Best for: Coastal gardens

Height: 80cm (31in)

Flowers: July - September

Where to Buy: You can purchase Agapanthus 'Dr Brouwer' from Great Garden Plants

For the best flower displays, feed weekly or fortnightly during the growing season. This is helpful no matter what variety of agapanthus you are growing. An organic, all-purpose plant food like this one available at Amazon is best.