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Troubleshooting

Agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus problems — and how to fix them

Agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus (Agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.

Floppy or leaning stems

Shade and over-rich soil produce weak, tall scapes that lean. Site in full sun and avoid heavy nitrogen feeding so stems stay self-supporting.

Poor flowering after division

Recently split clumps sulk for a year or more. Leave roots undisturbed and slightly congested to encourage free flowering.

Winter crown rot

Cold, waterlogged soil rots the dormant crown. Improve drainage with grit and keep the crown dry through winter, mulching in colder gardens.

Agapanthus gall midge

Larvae develop inside buds, deforming and browning them before they open. Remove and destroy affected buds to reduce the pest.

Prevent agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus problems before they start

Most agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:

Agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus problems — FAQ

Why is my agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus floppy or leaning stems?

Shade and over-rich soil produce weak, tall scapes that lean. Site in full sun and avoid heavy nitrogen feeding so stems stay self-supporting.

Why is my agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus poor flowering after division?

Recently split clumps sulk for a year or more. Leave roots undisturbed and slightly congested to encourage free flowering.

Why is my agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus winter crown rot?

Cold, waterlogged soil rots the dormant crown. Improve drainage with grit and keep the crown dry through winter, mulching in colder gardens.

Why is my agapanthus inapertus subsp. pendulus agapanthus gall midge?

Larvae develop inside buds, deforming and browning them before they open. Remove and destroy affected buds to reduce the pest.