Knowing how to prune your Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus) is the secret to getting those stunning, vibrant blooms year after year. Plus, a little cleanup goes a long way in keeping the plant healthy and vigorous. Here’s the lowdown on how to handle your Agapanthus and what you need to keep in mind.
When should you prune your Lily of the Nile?
When it comes to size, you usually don’t have to worry about a major “haircut.” These plants generally stay at a manageable height and won’t take over your entire garden bed. However, there are two main reasons you’ll want to reach for your shears: keeping things looking sharp and encouraging new growth.
Most gardeners like to prune their Lily of the Nile as soon as the flowers start to fade. You’ll want to cut the spent flower stalks right back to the base. If you’re lucky, some varieties might even reward you with a second flush of blooms later in the season! Trimming away withered leaves also keeps your garden looking fresh and tidy rather than messy.
Dividing and caring for your Agapanthus
If you’ve got your Lily of the Nile in a pot and it’s starting to look a little cramped, it might be time to divide it. Carefully lift the plant out of the soil, making sure to be gentle with the fleshy roots and tubers. Using a sharp spade or a similar tool, you can split the root ball into two halves. The “new” plant can then be moved to a different spot in the garden or a new pot.
Best tools for dividing your plants:
- A sharp spade
- A garden saw
- A sharpened metal sheet or sod cutter
You should also keep an eye out for yellow leaves. This usually happens when the plant is getting ready for winter or if it’s lacking some essential nutrients. Go ahead and cut those yellow leaves all the way back. If you suspect a nutrient deficiency is the culprit, a little bit of fertilizer can go a long way in getting your plant back to its beautiful, green self.
