Agapanthus

The genus consists of a dozen large herbaceous bulbous perennials, forming very decorative rounded umbrella-shaped inflorescences. In areas with mild climates, these plants are grown outdoors, but usually use cold-resistant garden forms and hybrids. Agapanthus is characterized by belt-shaped leaves and large, 30-40 cm in diameter, inflorescences-umbrellas of blue flowers of different shades and intensity. Agapanthus campanulatus (agapanthus campanulatus) grows up to 80 cm in height. The flowers are light blue, can also be purple-blue and white. Agapanthus orientalis (A. orientalis) grows up to 70-80 cm in height. The flowers are blue, blue and white. Gathered in large umbrellas. The most common and widely used species is agapanthus umbellatus (A. umbellatus), which grows up to 80 cm in height, with white or blue flowers of various shades and color intensity. It has several garden forms, which, although they are resistant to low temperatures, are sensitive to frost.

The genus consists of a dozen large herbaceous bulbous perennials, forming very decorative rounded umbrella-shaped inflorescences. In areas with mild climates, these plants are grown outdoors, but usually use cold-resistant garden forms and hybrids. Agapanthus is characterized by belt-shaped leaves and large, 30-40 cm in diameter, inflorescences-umbrellas of blue flowers of different shades and intensity.

Agapanthus campanulatus (agapanthus campanulatus) grows up to 80 cm in height. The flowers are light blue, can also be purple-blue and white.

Agapanthus orientalis (A. orientalis) grows up to 70-80 cm in height. The flowers are blue, blue and white. Gathered in large umbrellas.

The most common and widely used species is agapanthus umbellatus (A. umbellatus), which grows up to 80 cm in height, with white or blue flowers of various shades and color intensity. It has several garden forms, which, although they are resistant to low temperatures, are sensitive to frost.

Cultivation

In mild climates, it is grown directly outdoors in fertile and well-drained soil. However, in winter, agapanthus must be covered with a dense layer of foliage or straw. Those agapanthuses that are afraid of frost, it is better to grow in spacious pots or tubs, so that they can be taken indoors for the winter. In winter, a temperature of 5-8 °C and very rare watering is necessary. Containers should be filled with fertile, sterilized soil with peat and sand added. For top dressing in the spring, a solution is prepared at the rate of 30-40 g of fertilizer per bucket of water. It is very useful to put pots with agapanthus outdoors in the summer.

In mild climates, it is grown directly outdoors in fertile and well-drained soil. However, in winter, agapanthus must be covered with a dense layer of foliage or straw. Those agapanthuses that are afraid of frost, it is better to grow in spacious pots or tubs, so that they can be taken indoors for the winter. In winter, a temperature of 5-8 °C and very rare watering is necessary. Containers should be filled with fertile, sterilized soil with peat and sand added. For top dressing in the spring, a solution is prepared at the rate of 30-40 g of fertilizer per bucket of water.

It is very useful to put pots with agapanthus outdoors in the summer.

Location

Agapanthus loves light, it is placed in the open sun.

Temperature

The optimal temperature for growing is 15-16 °C. Even resistant species and forms are sensitive to extreme cold weather.

Watering

Full and regular watering is necessary only during periods of intensive growth and flowering: in spring and summer. Then the plants have a long period of rest, during which the soil is maintained only in a slightly moist state.

Transplant

They are transplanted once every 2-3 years, while taking advantage of the opportunity to divide the overgrown Bush. Pots are filled with the same soil as for the main cultivation.

Reproduction

Sowing seeds is rarely used, in spring, at a temperature of 12-14 °C; sow in peaty soil mixed with sand (1/3). More often propagated by dividing old specimens, this simple operation makes it possible to get a quick flowering without a long wait - in the same year (when propagating by seed-2-3 years). Adult plants are divided in March-April.

Diseases

The defeat of various fungi provokes the rotting of agapanthus tubers. To avoid contamination, use light, well-drained soil and make sure that there is no excessive watering. Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) occurs most often when there is a lack of iron, in which case iron chelates are added to the soil. Aphids and larvae of insect pests are eliminated with the help of appropriate preparations.

Acquisition

When buying, inspect the plants to see if they have any defects and blue mold on the leaves. These signs indicate poor storage conditions in the trading floor.