Add a Splash of Two-Toned Beauty: Growing Bi-Color Summer Container Flowers Like Agapanthus

• Uncover the charm of Agapanthus ‘Summer Sky’ for vibrant summer containers.
• Learn how bi-color foliage adds lasting appeal beyond just blooms.
• Get practical tips for growing this unique plant in pots, even outside its typical zone.
• Understand key care requirements for thriving container-grown Agapanthus.
• Discover how to handle Agapanthus safely due to its toxicity.

Summer gardens explode with color, but sometimes the magic fades after the flowers are gone. What if you could have plants that offer stunning visuals all season long, not just during their bloom time? That’s where the beauty of bi-color summer container flowers comes in, offering a dynamic display from foliage to bloom. Among these captivating options, Agapanthus, particularly varieties with variegated leaves like ‘Summer Sky’, stands out, providing both unique two-toned foliage and lovely summer blooms, making them a perfect fit for adding enduring appeal to your patios and balconies.

The Unexpected Delight of Bi-Color Agapanthus

Agapanthus, often called Lily of the Nile or less commonly, Spider Lily, is a plant typically celebrated for its striking spheres of blue or white flowers that appear like fireworks atop tall stalks in summer. However, certain varieties offer a delightful surprise – foliage that isn’t just green, but boasts beautiful bi-color patterns. ‘Summer Sky’ PPAF is one such gem, featuring lush leaves striped with creamy white and olive green.

My own gardening journey has been filled with experiments, especially living in regions where zones are unpredictable. For years, Agapanthus seemed out of reach, labeled for warmer climates. But receiving some ‘Summer Sky’ plants from a grower changed my perspective. The gorgeous bi-color foliage alone was enough to intrigue me. Faced with a bare spot in my garden after a harsh summer, I decided to give these stunning plants a temporary home in containers. This proved to be a fantastic way to enjoy their beauty while adding instant color and texture to my outdoor space.

Growing Agapanthus ‘Summer Sky’ in Containers

Agapanthus ‘Summer Sky’ is botanically known as Agapanthus africanus ‘Summer Sky’. While Agapanthus africanus generally thrives in warmer zones, ‘Summer Sky’ is typically recommended for zones 8-10. However, growing it in containers offers flexibility, allowing gardeners in cooler zones (like my zone 5/6 experiments) to enjoy this beautiful plant as an annual or overwinter it indoors.

Here’s a quick look at its key characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Agapanthus africanus ‘Summer Sky’ PPAF
• Common Name: Agapanthus, Lily of the Nile
• Zone: Typically 8-10 (Can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in cooler zones in containers)
• Light: Full sun (for best flowering) to partial shade (especially for foliage focus)
• Humidity: Tolerant of various levels
• Water: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings

The Secret to Agapanthus Blooms (and Foliage)

One interesting quirk about Agapanthus is its preference for being root-bound when grown for flowers. In containers, this means they often perform best when their roots fill the pot snugly. However, if your goal is primarily to encourage more of that fabulous bi-color foliage, giving them a little more room and rich soil can help them grow more leaves rather than focusing energy solely on flower production. This was my strategy when using the ‘Summer Sky’ to fill in a garden gap – I prioritized lush foliage over blooms, and it worked beautifully.

Close-up of bi-color variegated foliage and blue flower cluster of Agapanthus 'Summer Sky' PPAF in a container.

When transplanting Agapanthus into containers, you’ll often find the roots are quite dense. While they like being root-bound for flowering, loosening the roots slightly when potting into a larger container can encourage overall growth, including more foliage.

Root-bound Agapanthus plant lifted from its original pot, showing dense root ball ready for transplanting.

Handling with Care: A Note on Toxicity

It’s crucial to be aware that Agapanthus plants are considered mildly toxic. The roots, leaves, and sap can cause skin irritation and other symptoms if ingested.

Hands gently loosening the tight root ball of a bi-color Agapanthus plant before placing it into a larger container.

When working with Agapanthus, especially during repotting or dividing, always wear gloves to protect your skin. Be mindful if you have pets or small children who might interact with your container plants. Taking these simple precautions ensures you can enjoy the beauty of these bi-color summer container flowers safely.

Gardener wearing gloves carefully cutting Agapanthus roots during repotting to encourage foliage growth.

After carefully repotting my ‘Summer Sky’ Agapanthus into fresh, rich soil in containers, they settled in beautifully. The stunning bi-color foliage immediately added a sophisticated touch to the area where my ferns had struggled. While I initially focused on foliage, the occasional blue bloom emerging against the variegated leaves was a welcome bonus, showcasing the true dual appeal of this plant.

Freshly repotted Agapanthus 'Summer Sky' PPAF in a container, showcasing its striking bi-color variegated foliage.

More Tips for Container Success

• Container Choice: Use pots with good drainage holes to prevent root rot. Terracotta pots can be good as they allow the soil to breathe, but plastic or glazed pots retain moisture longer, which might be beneficial in hot summer climates.
• Soil Mix: A well-draining potting mix is essential. You can amend a standard potting mix with perlite or grit for extra drainage.
• Fertilizing: Feed your container-grown Agapanthus with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) to support both foliage and flower development.
• Overwintering (in Cooler Zones): If you’re in a zone colder than 8, you’ll need to protect your Agapanthus in winter. Move containers to a cool, frost-free location like a garage or basement. Reduce watering significantly during this dormant period.
• Deadheading: Once the flower stalks fade, cut them back at the base to keep the plant tidy. This can also encourage the plant to put more energy into foliage growth.

Conclusion

Adding bi-color summer container flowers to your outdoor space is a fantastic way to ensure lasting visual interest. Agapanthus ‘Summer Sky’ with its elegant variegated foliage and beautiful blue blooms is a superb example. Growing them in containers makes them versatile additions to patios, decks, or even filling temporary gaps in garden beds, as I discovered. With a little care and awareness of their needs and toxicity, you can enjoy the unique two-toned beauty of Agapanthus all summer long.

Have you grown Agapanthus in containers? Share your experiences or ask your questions in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.