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If
you're looking for a great low maintenance plant for your
driveway, fence line or even around the swimming pool, then
you can't go past the agapanthus.
These South African members of the lily family have adapted
well to hot Australian summers when their display of spectacular
blue and white flowers is at its peak. They look equally at
home with modern architecture as they do with colonial or
federation houses.
Agapanthuses are such easy plants to grow and require so little
effort that they are often neglected, but to make sure your
plants flower really well, there are some important tips to
consider.
Agapanthuses are not fussy about what soil they grow in, they
can withstand coastal situations and even the occasional flood
and frost. They also make excellent specimens for containers
on hot, sunny balconies, verandahs and patios.
The two main causes of poor flowering are lack of sunlight
and overcrowding. Agapanthus love full sun and unless they
are grown in a bright, sunny position they won't flower well,
although their lush, strap-like foliage will still look pleasing.
One of the great things about growing agapanthus is that once
you've got one, you're guaranteed to have more, because they
multiply by themselves in clumps. The downside is, if they're
left untouched, they will become overcrowded and flower poorly.
To avoid this problem, cut off the seed heads when the plant
has finished flowering, dig up the clumps and divide them
into individual plants. Large clumps of agapanthus develop
a network of tight roots and may require a mattock and crowbar
to dig them out.
Divide up the parent clump into small groups comprising of
two or three plantlets, using a sharp spade or secateurs and
taking care not to tear the roots. Tidy up each of these individual
groups by removing spent foliage and damaged roots before
replanting into a sunny position. Water each plant well and
mulch generously with Searles® Mulch Plus to conserve moisture
and suppress weed growth.
Next summer you'll not only have more plants, but each plant
will flower better.
To keep your agapanthus healthy, fertilise them regularly
with Searles® Complete Plant Food and keep them moist in hot
weather. |
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So
remember, to guarantee a brilliant display of flowering agapanthus
every summer:
• Make sure they're in full sun
• If they're overcrowded, dig them up after flowering
and divide them
• And fertilise with Searles® Complete Plant Food. |
Happy
Gardening with Searles from the Searle family.
© Copyright 2002 JC & AT
Searle Pty Ltd
You may make a copy of this Fact Sheet for your personal,
non-commercial use only. Please do not make any other use
of this Fact Sheet without first obtaining our permission. |
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