cutting back

iain campbell

i have an agapanthus that has flowered for the first time in four years,do i cut back the leaves for winter as they went all mushy last year??

Hostafan1

let nature do it for you iain.

Once they've died back  they normally come away with a sharp tug

Dovefromabove

I agree with Hosta   As the leaves die back and go mushy the nutrients from the leaves will return to the bulbs to be stored until they provide the energy to grow again next year

iain campbell

thanks folks i will heed your advice

 

Emma915

I think I have an evergreen agapanthus.  I don't do anything other than house it in the greenhouse (unheated) over winter and it comes back fine.  

 

Hostafan1

I bring all of mine ( 51 ) into the polytunnel. More to stop them becoming waterlogged than too cold.

LesleyK

You and me both Rb.  I'd like to know that too please

Emma915

1Runnybeak1 - if it helps I only water mine very rarely when in the greenhouse.  They survive very well.  

Hostafan1

I only water mine when the compost actually looks dry, then sparingly.

LesleyK

Thanks for that Emma and Hosta.  Fingers crossed that mine survive.  I don't have a greenhouse but they can be near the garage window. 

gardenninggranny

If they're in the flower bed, and you're like me and forget where things are once they are out of sight, put in a marker stick to remind you, then heap some leaf mould over the crown once the leaves have died down and been removed.

The one I have in a large pot is looking rather elegant right now, sporting its seed heads on long stems.