Thunder Storm™ agapanthus
Compact, easy care and drought tolerant, Thunder Storm is one of the Storm™ series of agapanthus that produce more flower stems than any other agapanthus. In fact, Thunder Storm flowers on average up to 10 weeks per season (up to two to three weeks longer than most other varieties).
The variegated leaves are distinct with the leaves having a strong creamy yellow edge to each of the leaves with stems topped with spheres of striking blue flowers. Thunder storm is more floriferous than other variegated foliaged agapanthus.
Thunder Storm™ grows to a compact 20 inches (1½ feet), an ideal height for landscapes and container plantings, as most other agapanthus are either much taller or shorter.
Agapanthus is increasingly popular with gardeners and landscapers for its easy-care nature, crisp exotic look, and long-lasting flowers. With its lush tufts of dense, strappy variegated leaves, the plant adds flair to the garden even when not in bloom.
Key Features
- Quick to bloom
- Distinctive variegated foliage
- Compact in size and uniform in height
- More floriferous than other variegated leafed agapanthus
- Low maintenance
- Great for gardens and landscapes
- Suitable in USDA zones 8-11
- Drought resistant and a fire retardent plant
Suggested Uses
Commercial landscapes, perennial beds and borders, container plantings, fire-retardant borders.
Growth Habit
Free-standing basal cluster with strap-like leaves. Large, thick, fleshy roots approximately ¼ inch in diameter. Upright, medium size with normal to slow growth rate for genus. Full height is achieved in 18 months.
Growth Pattern
Cluster diameter to 20 inches.
Plant Size
Grows to 30 inches high (includes flower).
Flower Size
Flower umbel is approximately 4 inches in diameter, 30 florets per umbel. The green bud is lance-shaped up to 2 inches in length by ½ inch wide. There are six petals per floret, 1 ½ x 3/8 inch.
Mature Height
20 inches tall (not including flowers)
Mature Width
20 inches wide.
Spacing
Space 2 feet apart for garden border.
Hardiness
USDA zones 8 to 11.
Flowering Period
Flowers abundantly in late spring to mid-summer with spot flowering through late summer and fall – approximately 70 days in all.
Number Of Flowers
The variegated forms of agapanthus are normally shy in flowering; however Thunder Storm flowers more readily than other variegated varieties. Each plant can produce up to 10 stems of blooms
Flower Color
Mid-blue
Fragrance
No fragrance.
Foliage
Variegated green with creamy yellow edge and dense leaves are arranged in a tuft or cluster. Each leaf is narrow and strap-like, measuring on average 14 inches long by ¾ inches wide.
Pruning/Pinching
Remove dead flower stems after flowering in late fall.
Light Needs
Grows in most light conditions. Flowers best in full sun but will flower in reduced numbers in partial shade.
Soil Needs
Thunder Storm™ will tolerate a range of soils from sand to clay.
Water Needs
Water well to establish. But once established in the landscape, agapanthus are tolerant of both wet and dry conditions and have proved to be an ideal landscape plant for drier warm or tropical areas.
Fertilizer
Promote initial growth by providing high nitrogen fertilizer for initial growth, but once established use a flowering plant formula high in potassium to encourage flowering.
Disease Tolerance
Agapanthus are not prone to disease in the landscape.
Pest Issues
No major pests. Snails and slugs may cause slight damage.
Special Care
Easy-care plant. Initially, better performance will be attained if plants are watered and fed regularly, but once established Thunder Storm will flower readily with minimal care. In colder zones, either winter protect, dig and store, or store potted plants “as is” in a frost-free location.
Special Notes
Good plant for dry, sub-tropical areas. Thick, moisture-retentive foliage makes agapanthus effective in fire-retardant borders.
Varietal/Cultivar Name
DunAga02
