Wednesday 18 December 2013

Agapanthus the heat lovers


Agapanthus are one of the most popular border plants found in gardens all over Australia and I just love then.
 
In my garden I grow them in remembrance of my Nana who as a child would let me pick every flowering head in her garden when we would visit on Sundays. 
 
These white beauties blend in wonderfully with my mothers White Iceberg climbing rose.










They have long strappy leaves and form into dense lush clumps of evergreen foliage.  Tall stemmed flowers tower over the leaves in a variety of blue shades along with white, offering great colour in a wide range of conditions.
Agapanthus are hardy plants, and are easily grown. Aggies, as they are known will  stand up too drought and poor soil conditions, but both flower and foliage production improves with moisture and feeding. They love a position in full sun, though will be alright in part-shade, but not full shade as the flowering will not be as prolific.  Pop them in any well-drained soil, removing any spent flowers as this will encourage further flowering. If growing in pots, do not use overly large containers as they do better when the roots are somewhat congested.
 
Easily propagated by simply dividing the roots system when they develop into larger clumps, this is best done in winter.  They can also be propagated from the large seed heads.






They are flowering prolifically in Adelaide's extreme heat at the moment in garden beds and as lush street plants.  These conditions are harsh and they only receive water when it rains, which in summer Adelaide is not very often.  Adelaide only has an average rain fall of 20 inches a year so you can see why I think these beauties are a must for any hot dry garden.

Happy gardening


Bronwyn

 

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