From my youth I can remember my mother loving the deep blue Agapanthus lilies that used to grow in the hotel grounds where my uncle and grandfather worked. When the hotel closed down the site was due to be levelled and a leisure centre built there. My uncle asked the builder if he could take a clump of the lilies for my mother to grow and they soon flourished in our garden.
They are also known as the Lily of the Nile although they are not known to grow that far north in Africa.
The colours range from bright blue to purple to white and can be sturdy or delicate. The plants are easy to grow in Cyprus and the UK and can be propagated from bulbs and from seed. My recommendation for using them in an arrangement is to pair them with deep red alliums and use a mix of white and blue or white and purple set off with bear grass or phormium leaves. Stunning, yet simple. Agapanthus and Allium can be obtained from florists or nurseries such as Cosmea Gardens. Next time you’re there, check the flowers out for yourself!
