Plant Rhizome

Agapanthus

Agapanthus

A rhizome. A stem that grows sideways at or just below the soil, with nodes that make shoots above and roots below.

Whole
Cut open
StoreRhizome. Grows horizontally and is segmented, with a shoot at the growing tip.
Depth5 cm to the base of the rhizome
Spacing30-45 cm apart
WhenPlant in spring. Plant: 4 weeks before up to your last spring frost. Work out your dates.
PetsNot on the ASPCA list: treat as unsafe to chew

About Agapanthus

Fleshy, rope-like roots from a short rhizome. Evergreen types are less hardy than deciduous types.

Depth and spacing

Typical range: 5 cm deep and 30-45 cm apart. A general rule is to plant at two to three times the height of the rhizome; check the label for your variety. The drawing is to scale for 5 cm deep and 37.5 cm apart (the size of the organ is illustrative); try your own measurements.

0 cm2 cm4 cm6 cm8 cm10 cm12 cm14 cm16 cm18 cm20 cm22 cm24 cm26 cm28 cm30 cm32 cm34 cm36 cm38 cm37.5 cm apart5 cm

When to plant

Plant in spring. Plant: 4 weeks before up to your last spring frost. These are rules of thumb for the northern hemisphere. Enter your frost dates for real dates.

Dividing and propagating

Divide congested clumps in spring, using a knife or two forks; it flowers best slightly pot-bound.

Lifting and storing

Not stored. Protect with a thick mulch or keep potted plants frost-free.

Not on the ASPCA list

The ASPCA plant list has no entry we could match to this plant, so we cannot say it is safe. Keep pets from chewing it and digging up the rhizome, and ask your vet if in doubt. Search the ASPCA list.

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