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Agapanthus

SylviaTSylviaT Posts: 6
in Problem solving
HI Everyone I have a large ceramic pot with Agapanthus in which is completely pot bound. It is too heavy to lift and I wondered if anyone could tell me the best way to get the plants divided. I have trie using a trowel and hand fork to no avail they almost bend under the strain. I am at loss what to do. 

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I had similar,  I laid the pot on it’s side and chipped away bit by bit, took all day, I’d almost got to the point of putting the pickaxe or sledge hammer to it,  I don’t think there’s an easy way.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • SylviaTSylviaT Posts: 6
    Hi Lyn
    I don't think I could even get it on its side. I might need to resort to a pickaxe!! :)
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Sorry Sylvia should have said welcome to the site .
    Can’t you just roll it over, seems as shame to smash the pot, but then, I was getting to that stage. 
    I got lots of new plants though when I did finally get it out and split it up. And they flowered so much better. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • SylviaTSylviaT Posts: 6
    Thank youI will probably be on the site a lot as lockdown has encouraged me to get into gardening. I have literally dozens of self seeded Agapanthus all surrounding the original pot which must have been planted for about 15 years  it must be the ideal position in the garden because they grow like wildfire in the pea gravel and also in the slate . I have given dozens of plants away over the last 5 years. I will ask my daughter to try to roll it over with me. Thanks for your help.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It's hard work but I have had success with an old bread knife.   Water the pot thoroughly and let it soak up as much water as possible then sweep the blade of the knife up and down going all round the pot.

    It helps separate all those tiny roots and root hairs that are clinging to the inside of the pot.   If you can get it on its side it is then easier to pull the entire clump out while someone else holds the pot.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • SylviaTSylviaT Posts: 6
    Thanks I guess it's going to take some time,  the pot is about 18 inches across by 12 inches depth and its taken me about an hour to get about 1/2 inch off the top . Just as well we have sun today 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    do try loosening the sides of the pot.   It should come out in one big lump without damaging the roots and then you can divide it and re-pot with fresh compost.   
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    If you can source it, and that is going to be hard to impossible, this is the tool you want. It’s the most robust trowel you’ll come across. I bought mine on Amazon but can no longer see a listing.
    https://www.dewit.eu/en/products/trowels-forks/serated-planting-trowel

    Rutland, England
  • SylviaTSylviaT Posts: 6
    Thanks Ben I will scour the internet !
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