Archive for the ‘ask Phil The Gardener’ Category

Nellie wrote:
I am fairly new to these. I planted 19 of these plants and within one week,
I noticed some yellowing, wilting and finally collapsing. Upon pulling the
stem I noticed that the base of the leaves was mushy and slimy. At first I
thought I did not watered enough after planting (they were grown in 10″
containers and blooming) so I watered. All three plants that have the same
problem are on the same row. What do I do? The other plants seem OK so far.
Is it something in the soil? I am in Zone 10 (Miami, FL). They have
plenty of sun, southern exposure, some shade in the morning. What do I do
before they all die? Are the roots still alive? should I dig them out and
treat the soil? Please help!

Phil The Gardener’s Reply:
Agapanthus do very well year round in zones 7-11 and are generally disease
free as long as they have good drainage and are not over watered.

For your container plants, make sure you use a well drained potting mix, add
in a granular fertilizer. The soil should drain readily and not retain excess water.
The plant can suffer from root and rhizome rot in heavy poorly drained soil.

Remove the plant from the container and replace the soil with a good draining
potting soil replant. Check with your local garden supply for a good fungicide
to treat the affected plants and soil.

Happy Gardening

http://www.philthegardener.com/rotting-agapanthus/

Pam wrote:
On your website you said to deadhead agapanthus blooms at the end of their bloom cycle. Do I only deadhead the blooms or do I clip to the bottom of the stem? Also, I want to collect the seeds. Thanks for your help!

Phil The Gardener’s reply:
I generally cut the stem down as close as I can into the greenery so no dead stem is showing.

If you want to save the seeds you should let them mature on the plant, this way you have healthy mature seeds.

Seriously the best way to propogate your aggies is to kill 2 birds with one stone. Dividing them is healthy for the plant, it gives it room to grow and it gives you more plants to place in other beds.

Happy Gardening

http://www.philthegardener.com

Eddie wrote: Is it too late to do heavy pruning on ilex holly bush? I have a hedge that is overgrown.

Phil The Gardeners reply:
You don’t say where you are located but in most areas of the country you can keep your ilex hedge in formal shape by keeping it pruned. I wouldn’t prune if the days are too hot you may stress the plant.
Another thing to keep in mind is if it is overgrown you really should bring it back into shape in stages allowing some new growth in between. If you prune it completely back to where it was or should be you may have some bare areas or woody areas. They should fill in it may look ugly in the meantime.

Happy Gardening

http://www.philthegardener.com