Here's the detailed description for Agapanthus 'Baby Periwinkle':
Agapanthus 'Baby Periwinkle'
Description: Agapanthus 'Baby Periwinkle' is a delightful dwarf variety known for its charming, compact size and abundant clusters of soft blue flowers. This perennial is perfect for small gardens, borders, and containers, adding a touch of elegance and color. The plant features slender, strap-like green leaves that create a neat, clumping habit.
Flowers: The flowers of Agapanthus 'Baby Periwinkle' are soft periwinkle blue and trumpet-shaped, arranged in rounded umbels. The blooming period extends from late spring to early autumn, offering a long-lasting display of delicate blooms. The flowers are held on short, sturdy stems above the foliage, maintaining a compact and tidy appearance.
Foliage: The foliage consists of slender, strap-like green leaves that are semi-evergreen in mild climates. The leaves form a dense, clumping habit, providing a lush, green backdrop to the blue flowers.
Fruit: After flowering, Agapanthus 'Baby Periwinkle' may produce seed pods, but these are generally not a significant feature compared to the plant's floral display.
Form and Size: Agapanthus 'Baby Periwinkle' grows in a compact, clumping habit, reaching up to 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) in height and spread. The short flower stems add an additional 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) to the height when in bloom.
Growing Conditions:
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Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the foliage from scorching.
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Soil: Well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
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Water: Regular watering during the growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Drought-tolerant once established.
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Temperature: Thrives in mild to warm climates. Hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
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Humidity: Tolerates a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity.
Uses: Agapanthus 'Baby Periwinkle' is used primarily as an ornamental plant in garden borders, mass plantings, and containers. Its compact size and prolific blooming make it a perfect choice for small gardens, rockeries, and patio pots. It can also be used as a cut flower for floral arrangements.
Maintenance: This plant is low-maintenance and easy to care for. Remove spent flower stems to encourage continued blooming and to maintain a tidy appearance. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and promote vigorous growth. Mulch in winter in colder climates to protect the roots from frost.
Notes: Agapanthus 'Baby Periwinkle' is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to snails and slugs, which may damage the foliage. Non-toxic and safe to grow around pets and children.
Companion Plants: Agapanthus 'Baby Periwinkle' pairs well with other sun-loving perennials and shrubs that have similar growing requirements, such as:
- Salvia species
- Echinacea species
- Lavandula (Lavender)
- Rudbeckia species
Common Name: Baby Periwinkle
Botanical Name: Agapanthus 'Baby Periwinkle'
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Origin: Hybrid, developed in cultivation