Agapanthus ‘Midnight Sky’
Agapanthus ‘Midnight Sky’ is a show-stopping perennial celebrated for its intensely dark blue flowers and bold, architectural presence. Flowering in mid to late summer, this striking African Lily adds elegance, drama, and vertical interest to sunny borders, containers, and patio displays, while also attracting pollinators to the garden.
At a Glance
Type: Herbaceous perennial (deciduous)
Common Name: African Lily
Foliage Colour: Deep green, strap-like
Flower Colour: Rich midnight blue with a velvety sheen
Height: 80cm (2.6ft)
Spread: 70cm (2.3ft)
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -10 to -15 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H5)
Position: Full sun
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil
Deep, Velvety Blooms
The deep blue, trumpet-shaped flowers of ‘Midnight Sky’ are held in dense, rounded clusters on strong, upright stems. The velvety colouring creates a dramatic focal point and contrasts beautifully with silver foliage plants or lighter-toned blooms. Flowering from mid-summer into early autumn, it adds richness and intensity when many other plants begin to fade.
Stylish and Upright Form
With its tall, slender stems and strappy green foliage, ‘Midnight Sky’ brings a strong vertical line to borders and mixed displays. Its upright growth habit makes it ideal for planting in groups or as a single accent among grasses, perennials, and low shrubs.
Attractive to Pollinators
Agapanthus ‘Midnight Sky’ is not only beautiful but also wildlife-friendly. The nectar-rich flowers are popular with bees and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for pollinator-friendly planting schemes.
Growing Advice
Watering: Water regularly in spring and summer, especially while the plant is getting established and during prolonged dry spells. Reduce watering after flowering.
Feeding: Apply a high-potash fertiliser every two to three weeks during the growing season to encourage flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which can promote excess foliage at the expense of blooms.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to prolong the display and tidy the plant. Cut back dying foliage in autumn after it yellows naturally.
Dividing: Agapanthus prefers to be slightly root-bound, but you can divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring if flowering declines. Use a sharp spade to divide and replant in fresh soil.
Positioning: Choose a sunny, sheltered location for best performance. Agapanthus thrives in well-drained soil and dislikes sitting in winter wet, especially in heavy clay.
Potted: Yes, Agapanthus ‘Midnight Sky’ is excellent for container growing. Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 3 with added grit for drainage. Place pots in full sun and feed regularly during the flowering season. In colder areas, move containers to a frost-free location over winter or protect with fleece and straw. Repot every few years to refresh the compost.
Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting
‘Midnight Sky’ is a robust and long-lived plant that needs little attention once established. It’s generally pest- and disease-free, making it a great choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. With proper care, it will provide a bold and reliable summer display year after year.
Perfect Companions
Pair Agapanthus ‘Midnight Sky’ with:
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Verbena bonariensis – for complementary height and airy texture
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Stipa tenuissima – to soften edges and add movement
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Echinacea ‘White Swan’ – for a clean contrast in colour
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Lavandula ‘Hidcote’ – for Mediterranean charm and fragrance
Why Choose Agapanthus ‘Midnight Sky’?
If you're looking for a plant with bold colour, upright form, and low maintenance needs, Agapanthus ‘Midnight Sky’ is a superb choice. Its rich, deep blue flowers and architectural structure make it a standout in sunny gardens or pots, offering long-lasting beauty and strong seasonal interest.
Buying Perennials from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our perennials after flowering and trim them back at the end of the season to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy perennials, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
From late autumn onwards and dependent on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email sales@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
Perennials are described and classified differently by different gardeners but all would agree that they are plants that come into flower every year from early spring to late summer, the exact time dependent on variety and most die back to ground level in autumn and winter.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
Always check eventual plant heights when planning borders to ensure that the taller plants are at the back (or at the centre of an island bed) followed by the medium and then smaller low growing plants.
Remember to deadhead perennials after flowering, trim back lightly in autumn as required to tidy the border and if necessary trim again in spring once the risk of heavy frost has passed.
If perennials get too big, start to flower less and less or if it seems to be dying off from the centre, consider dividing the plant but always check that the particular variety is happy to be divided and that you divide at the right time of year for the plant.
By using this simple guide and a little time, perennials can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
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