Re: Agapanthus
Originally Posted by
EZ Rider
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They do like their roots restricted and that's certainly the case with mine, The ones in containers are doing so much better. If they are a newly bought plant they can take a couple or three years to really get started. Of course don't forget to feed them in containers as the soil/compost will run out of nutrients.
I think you are quite right EZ. According to my Agapanthus 'Guru': " they like well drained compost in tubs - 2 parts compost to 1 part grit sand."
They like to be a little pot bound but not packed solid. Feed established plants once a month and young plants every 3 weeks in the growing season with a high potash feed, (though the RHS say feed every fortnight during the growing season). Hoylands agapanthus specialists sell their own brand plant food which is 30% potash, he doesn't believe tomato food at only about 8% is anywhere near sufficient. (I believe Phostrogen is around 27% though).
"If plants are in tubs, bubble wrap pots in winter or use fleece, and move to a sheltered place by a wall or cold greenhouse. If in the ground, mulch with bark chippings a good 6" deep in November.
The best way to propagate is by division in spring or early autumn after plants have finished flowering. Large clumps should be split every 4-5 years."