Nov 24, 2014
If you are looking at a huge clump of agapanthus in your garden and wondering when to divide them, now is the time! Remember that they actually prefer a crowded root system to bloom well, but if they get too crowded they can push out of the ground and leave no room for soil to hold moisture or they can crack their container. Maybe you just want to divide them and move some new plants to another part of the garden. Either way, November is the best month to do it.
- Start by cutting back the foliage to about six inches above the ground to make it easier to handle. Once established new growth will fill in quickly.
- Taking a sharp spade, dig around the root ball about six inches from the outside of the plant. Dig down and under the root ball and lift out of the hole. This may be difficult as they have thick roots. Use a long handled shovel or crow bar for leverage if necessary.
- Once the plant is out of the ground, begin to separate the individual plants by pulling apart the bulbs. Cut away any damaged roots.
- Plants can be replanted immediately for best results, about one foot apart in full sun or part shade and rich soil.
- Keep the plants moist, but not too wet until new growth shows that the plant is well established.