Agapanthus - A Revision of the Genus

Known as "lilies of the Nile" (though they're native to South Africa), the showy perennials in the genus Agapanthus have been avidly collected and grown since they were discovered by Dutch explorers in the 17th century. The few species in the genus have been hybridized intensively, yielding hundreds of interesting and dramatic cultivars, some in astonishing shades of blue and lavender. Despite their huge popularity among gardeners, however, there has never been a truly comprehensive book on the genus, an oversight that has finally been corrected by author Wim Snoeijer, working in concert with Holland?s Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society.

Snoeijer has invested eight years of research and scholarship in the preparation of this volume, which is intended to be the definitive account of Agapanthus in cultivation. He has gathered extensive references to every named cultivar and provides, where possible, detailed descriptions that include history, morphological details, color, even DNA analysis. Additional chapters on genetics (by Ben Zonneveld), cultivation, and taxonomy round out the work.

With keys and more than 100 color photos of beautiful specimens of Agapanthus as an aid to identification, this groundbreaking book is one no devotee of these plants can afford to be without. Hardback, 362 pp.