Most authorities confirm that agapanthus is very difficult to get rid of, even with powerful sprays. Common recommendations are for glyphosate, metsulfuron-methyl (MSF600) and triclopyr (Triclo). Our experience is that they all will work, but that glyphosate and MSF600 are more effective at some times than at others.
Other: All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the rhizome or root, leaves and sap. Symptoms: Symptoms may include nausea vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea if ingested, with severe ulceration of the mouth from the clear sticky sap.
Agapanthus gall midge is a fly that can cause buds of Agapanthus to become deformed and discoloured and fail to flower. It was first noticed in the UK in 2014 but may have been present for several years.
These plants that we removed from pots were able to keep almost all of their root system. However a clump dug up from the ground will have lost a lot of the root system. When this happens we cut almost all the foliage off the plant, this will reduce the stress on the plant and allow the root system time to regrow.
With a sharp spade, get underneath the rhizome and lever it out. For really big clumps, you'll need to slice it up with your spade. I've been known to climb on top of large clumps and swear loudly while doing this. It's great therapy.
Correct this problem by providing the agapanthus with protection from the hot afternoon sun. Either dig the plant up and move it to a shadier location, or provide a shade cloth to protect it.
Place the seed in open paper (not polythene) bags until it has dried and then store, now in sealed bags, in a cool, dry place until March or April.
It is a perennial plant that can live for up to 75 years. Its evergreen leaves are 2 cm wide and 50 cm long. Its inflorescence is an umbel. The flowers are blue, purple or white and bloom from late spring to summer, followed by capsules filled with black seeds.
You can prune agapanthus at any time of year to remove dead, damaged or diseased foliage. For deciduous varieties, spent foliage can be removed in late fall, but this will leave the crown exposed to the winter elements. Never remove foliage after blooming as this deprives the plant of the energy it needs to overwinter.
The reason Agapanthus are generally hard to burn is that inside the leaf is a water based gel called mucilage. Many plants contain mucilage including cactus and because it is water based it cools a fire and is retardant.
Because agapanthus plants spread quickly, they are regarded as an invasive weed in parts of New South Wales and Victoria.
If gardeners choose to remove an entire agapanthus plant, it is recommended that only the leaves be used for composting.
Dividing and transplanting agapanthus
One advantage of growing agapanthus is that once you've got one, you're guaranteed to have more, because they multiply by themselves in clumps. However, if left untouched for any length of time, they will become overcrowded and may flower poorly.
Agapanthus lilies are probably of minimal toxicity to animals unless eaten in quantity. However, where a dog or cat is prone to chewing on plants, it would be prudent to remove the plant from the animals environment.
If you want the best success with fertilizing your agapanthus then use several different kinds. Rotate these fertilizers throughout the year for the best success. If you would like to use alternatives to commercial fertilizer then purchase Kelp Meal, Alfalfa Meal, or Epsom Salt.
Agapanthus grows and spreads by fleshy rhizomes that act as storage roots. The plant retains nutrients in its roots and may be divided to create more plants. Use a sharp shovel to dig up an established plant and divide it into several sections, each with roots and foliage.
Back in Black' is a magnificent Agapanthus variety that produces dark purple-blue flowers that stand atop strong black stems with a mass of lance-shaped green foliage below.
Generally 3-4 inches deep for the larger variety and about 2 inches for the dwarf varieties.
Agapanthus roots are a good example of a plant with a good ability to withstand drought and poor growing conditions due to its large, fleshy roots.