Dividing agapanthus with Cosmas

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Are your aggies looking a bit overcrowded? Learn how to divide them so you can have healthier aggies and more to plant out or to give to a friend.

Most perennials should be divided every four years when they become overcrowded, which will keep them thriving and healthy. The best time to divide agapanthus is in the autumn after they have finished flowering. While dividing your clumps, take this opportunity to improve your soil where the clumps of agapanthus have been removed by digging in compost and a general fertiliser.

How to divide agapanthus

1.Water the clumps the day before they are to be lifted. The following day, lift the clumps of agapanthus with a fork and move them into the shade to protect the roots. If all the agapanthus are not to be divided on the same day, keep the exposed roots covered with a sack or soil.

2. Split each clump into two to four pieces depending on the size of the clump. I use a fork to help divide them, as they can be a bit tough. Make sure there are roots in each division. Shake off the excess soil.

3. Trim all the long roots using clean secateurs or a sharp knife.

4.Cut the leaves back by a half to two thirds in a ‘V’ shape and remove dead leaves.

5. Plant your divided pieces back into your prepared garden bed, spreading the roots out and pressing the soil firmly down. Space the larger clumps 30cm apart; dwarf agapanthus can be planted a bit closer together. Keep them all moist and mulched.

Other perennials that should be divided at this time of the year, going into winter, are Pennisetum (fountain grasses), all Festuca grasses and Kniphofia (red hot poker).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]