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Identify a plant

oliviasmart22593oliviasmart22593 Posts: 3
in Plants
Hello everyone! First time on here. I’ve just moved into an amazing garden and need to know what these plants are. They look like they could do with a bit of pruning/clearing but want to make sure I do it correctly. What are they, please?
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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Bumping this up to see if anyone can help.
    At first glance l thought it was Carex pendula, but the old grey growth is not something l've seen before. 
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Do they have bulbs or roots? I am thrown by the grey sheaths on the lower stems too. There are several plants that have that sort of leaf, day lily, agapanthus. Do they smell of onions?
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited November 2023
    The remains of the robust flower head in 2nd pic, held in the hand, would suggest Agapanthus or similar
    One flower stalk with multiple flowers on the top.
    The bulbs have become very congested as they are  confined by the wall behind.

    I would recommend lifting that clump and replanting them ..maybe in a pot for the time being and kept in a frost free shed/room over the winter.
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I agree Agapanthus. It looks like they are in a sheltered part of the garden. They do like some restriction to the roots to get them to flower well but the clump in your photo is too congested. Not easy to split and better in generous clumps not small pieces. The best time I think is to split late March if they are deciduous. Let the clumps dry for 24 hours before replanting. Feed once a week with tomato food. Continue feeding for a few weeks after flowering as they set flowers for the following year in Autumn.
    If they are evergreen and I cannot be sure they are better underglass in winter.

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    I couldn't see the old flower head on my phone. I see it now on my laptop and I agree that it looks like Agapanthus.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • oliviasmart22593oliviasmart22593 Posts: 3
    Thank you all so much for your time and trouble in identifying them and advising me.

    They are situated under deep overhanging thatch in a very sheltered south facing corner of the garden. I suspect they have been there many years, and never been moved. I am nervous to do myself without experience. I guess if they are deciduous, the leaves will die off over winter; but if they are evergreen, should I cut/trim the leaves back as they are trailing over the ground or just leave them as they are? I've already removed some, as I couldn't see the steps!
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited November 2023
    @oliviasmart22593 Whatever you do don't be nervous. You can do no harm splitting them. They have very thick fleshy roots which you cannot avoid breaking, it won't harm them at all. They do need full sun, replant at the same depth.
    Drying them off for 24 hours helps to stop root rot but most gardeners will just replant them.
    I do wonder if they are deciduous as they have flopped, they will yellow and turn to a mush and return in spring.  Just avoid a trip hazard and if they are evergreen fingers crossed for a mild winter.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • oliviasmart22593oliviasmart22593 Posts: 3
    GardenerSuze said:
    @oliviasmart22593 Whatever you do don't be nervous. You can do no harm splitting them. They have very thick fleshy roots which you cannot avoid breaking, it won't harm them at all. They do need full sun, replant at the same depth.
    Drying them off for 24 hours helps to stop root rot but most gardeners will just replant them.
    I do wonder if they are deciduous as they have flopped, they will yellow and turn to a mush and return in spring.  Just avoid a trip hazard and if they are evergreen fingers crossed for a mild winter.
    I think you might be right. the leaves are starting to turn yellow in places. Thank you so much for giving me the confidence to tackle them. It's my first proper garden and I've a steep learning curve ahead! 
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    Looks like Crinum x powellii to me !
  • Red TulipRed Tulip Posts: 24
    I agree with Paul B3 -crinum
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