I have two plants and I can't remember what they're called. Here's a pic:

[babylonsister]

they're two years old. One was prolific last summer, I got squat from the other and never have. Is there any hope this plant might ever bloom, or should I cut my losses and plant something else? Any help appreciated!

[TygrBright]

1. What you got there is Agapanthus, and it's a bulb, and it's somewhat tender.

They are slow-maturing bulbs so will often skip flowering for a year or two, especially if they have been reproducing under the soil. (Baby bulblets forming and breaking off from mommy.)

Most are not outdoor-hardy below Zone 8 or 9, but you can sometimes winter them over successfully in mild winters in Zone 7, especially if you buy one of the "hardier" cultivars or hybrids. Most people plant them in containers and haul the containers into the garage or basement, if they don't want to lift the bulbs. But you can lift them, too. That's the best way to ensure that the baby bulblets, if any, get the best chance to grow up.


They really are gorgeous but it takes awhile to get the knack of getting them to bloom reliably.

informatively,
Bright

[babylonsister]

2. I was hoping you'd pipe in, Bright! Yes, that's what they are!

They were mature (not bulbs, anyway) when I bought them. They are gorgeous even now after a fairly cold winter for us (Zone 9), but that one has yet to bloom. So you think I should give it year 3 to show its stuff? The one I bought with it is blooming admirably as the pic indicates.

[Gormy Cuss]

3. My CA Zone8/Zone 9 experience with agapanthus.

I inherited a patch of overcrowded agapanthus. I divided them and replanted. They pouted for 1-2 years after the division, with weak leaf growth and few blooms, but now they're as reliable as daffodils for me. I deadhead them once the seed pods are formed but don't trim the leaves until the next spring. Even then I only remove the outer yellowed leaves. I fertilize with bulb food twice a year.

[babylonsister]

5. Thanks, Gormy Cuss! I'll follow your advice; I think I was wondering

if some of these plants can be asexual (?) and not produce flowers. I'll keep the other one around another summer and see what happens.

[Gormy Cuss]

7. All of mine flowered, eventually.

When I divided mine it was too severe for their liking and I had no blooms on some for 2 years or 3 years but now they all bloom. It's such a beautiful flower.

[TygrBright]

4. What Gormy sez, babsis....

...that's the recommended care for in-ground agapanthus. Won't hurt to add another bulb or so each year for a couple of years, if you want to create a patch of 'em.

horticulturally,
Bright

[babylonsister]

6. Room is at a premium here, which is why I was considering scrapping

the other one. I guess I'll let it hang one more summer and see what happens.
:hi:

[Ecumenist]

8. agapanthus or Lily of the Nile

They're pretty tough and more often than not will return each summer. They're like weeds here northern California. You see them everywhere.

[babylonsister]

10. Lily of the Nile! Yes! Thanks. You also have something called

ice plants that grow like weeds in CA, something I didn't see much of here in TX (as a weed or plant to buy) but managed to find finally. I have a small, controlled batch that I like. So, I like your weeds!

[flying_wahini]

9. I live in North Houston area, and mine always return

with no care whatsoever. but if you want spectacular blooms FEED NOW with some
Miracle Bloom......... they will really crank.
make sure that they are already very wet when you feed them,,,, wait a few minutes after
soaking then feed.

[babylonsister]

11. Great advice, but it's supposed to get really cold tomorrow night.

Is feeding advisable yet?

[flying_wahini]

12. feed now if you haven't yet

when they start to send up shoots is fine, but they only bloom for about a 3-4 week period
and these plants tend to bloom more as they become established...

[XemaSab]

13. Agapanthus

which I am about to go spray RoundUp on at my house.

Life is ironic sometimes. :D

[babylonsister]

14. LOL! So you're killing yours while I want(ed) more? Yes, irony.

:)