How to Thin Agapanthus

Agapanthus, also known as love flower, is a summer-blooming plant favored for its strappy foliage and showy white, pink or blue flowers. Agapanthus thrives in containers, but is also suitable as a border plant. The plant is perennial in mild climates, where it goes dormant in the winter and returns in spring, and doesn't tolerate temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Thinning is beneficial when Agapanthus becomes crowded or begins to lose its vitality, usually once every three to five years.

Spade
Garden fork (optional)
Knife (optional)
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Water the agapanthus one or two days before thinning. Damp soil keeps the plant healthy and hydrated, and makes digging easier.
- 2
  Prepare the new planting spot ahead of time by spading the soil do a depth of at least 8 to 10 inches. Agapanthus thrives in well-drained soil and bright morning sunlight.
- 3
  Dig the agapanthus with a sharp spade or garden fork. Dig at least 4 to 6 inches from the plant to avoid damaging the roots. If the plant is very large, dig up one side of the plant at a time.
- 4
  Brush excess dirt from the roots. Remove any dead or damaged stems or leaves.
- 5
  Pull the plant into sections, or divide the sections with a sharp knife. Ensure that each section has a rhizome with at least four or five healthy roots. Set the sections aside while you return the main plant to its location.
- 6
  Dig a hole and plant the sections in the prepared spot, with the roots slightly spread. Locate the sections at the same soil depth at which they were originally planted.
- 7
  Water the newly planted agapanthus deeply, and then keep the soil moist until healthy new growth is visible. After that time, water the plant deeply, but only after the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry.

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