The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 16 Autumn 2016 Low res | Page 20

Propagation

Dividing agapanthus with Cosmas
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.

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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.

Lift

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.

Split

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.

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Trim and clean up

Trim all the long roots using clean
secateurs or a sharp knife. Cut the
leaves back by a half to two thirds in a
‘ ’ shape and remove dead leaves.

Plant out

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.

Plants to divide in autumn

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).

By Cosmas Makwangwa
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