Agapanthus

This is one of the most common frustrations with agapanthus. Poor flowering is often linked to too little light, too much nitrogen-rich feed, recent division, an oversized container or a plant that simply has not settled yet. A bright position and a high-potassium feed during the growing season usually give plants the best chance of producing flower stems.

Agapanthus often flowers well when slightly snug in its pot, but it does not need to be severely root-bound. A container only a little larger than the root system is usually better than giving a small plant a huge pot, which can encourage root and leaf growth before flowering.

Yes. Agapanthus is a perennial plant and can return for many years when grown in suitable conditions. Deciduous varieties die back over winter and regrow in spring, while evergreen types keep some or all of their foliage and are generally less cold tolerant.

Some are, some are not. Deciduous agapanthus are usually the hardier choice, especially in free-draining soil and a sheltered position. Evergreen varieties often need extra protection from prolonged frost and are particularly well suited to containers that can be moved somewhere safer in winter.

Start feeding once active growth is underway in spring and continue through the growing season. A high-potassium feed is useful for encouraging flower production, especially for plants in pots. Avoid overdoing nitrogen-rich fertilisers, which can produce lots of leaves at the expense of flowers.

Both can work very well. Pots are especially useful for evergreen or less hardy varieties, because they make winter protection easier. Hardy deciduous forms can be excellent in borders, provided the soil drains freely and the plants have enough warmth to flower well.

Divide agapanthus only when the clump has become very congested or flowering has started to decline. Spring, as new growth begins, is a good time. Avoid dividing too often, as plants generally flower better once they have had time to settle and build up a substantial root system.

Yellow leaves can have several causes, including natural seasonal dieback, overwatering, poor drainage or stress after repotting or dividing. Deciduous types naturally lose their foliage as they enter dormancy, so yellowing in autumn is not necessarily a problem.

That depends on the type and your conditions. Hardy deciduous agapanthus can often remain outside, particularly in sheltered, well-drained gardens. Evergreen forms and plants in exposed or colder positions benefit from extra protection, while container-grown plants can be moved somewhere cool and frost-free if needed.