This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers)
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: half hardy (will need protection from frost in winter)
  
  The bicoloured flowers of this African lily really make it stand out from the crowd. They are good-sized trumpets, which open from white buds, with rich blue bases and white flaring petal tips. Forming in generous clusters on top of the upright stems above strappy foliage, these really put on a great show in mid- to late summer.
  
  
• Garden care: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly from spring until flowering. Towards the end of September ease back on the watering and feeding of plants in containers to allow the foliage to toughen up. In cold areas, protect the crown of the plant with a deep, dry mulch to protect them from hard frosts, or grow in a pot so they can be overwintered in an unheated greenhouse. Divide plants that have become too big in spring, but remember you will often get more flowers when the roots are constricted.