Dividing and Transplanting

dividing agapanthus

Dividing and transplanting agapanthus

One advantage of growing agapanthus is that once you've got one, you're guaranteed to have more, because they multiply by themselves in clumps. However, if left untouched for any length of time, they will become overcrowded and may flower poorly.


Lifting and dividing agapanthus every 3 to 4 years will promote better flowering. If you have too many new plants, there is evidence that retaining the newer offsets is preferable to retaining the older mature plants as they flower better. Discard any surplus material responsibly to ensure there is no environmental escape.


Only divide agapanthus after flowering. The best time to do this is in autumn. Other than via seed, agapanthus multiply in two ways:

  • offsets to the main plant; and
  • by spliting into two plants after flowering.

Division in Pots

The right picture shows the main plant dividing into two plants with the old foliage arounf the flower scape in the centre between the two new plants.  Removal of this old material reveals two new plants as shown in the far right picture.


The only way to divide these into two plants is by cutting through the plant base.


To make it easier to divide up the plants the basal area of the root ball is cut away as shown below.  It is then possible to divide the plant into two by cutting through the basal area. After separating the plants the wound should be sealed by coating in a dusting powder like Yates Tomato Dust as shown.  The plants can then be potted and placed in a protective position for a few days. It is best to not water these plants for a few days to ensure the cuts seal adequately. Keep them on the dry side of moist until re-estblished.  Use a slow release fertiliser when repotting by mixing it into the potting media.  Never dump it at the base of the roots.

dividing agapanthus

This pot of agapanthus also had an offset growing on the left side of the main plant.  The soil around the roots is carefully removed and with gentle pressure the offset breaks away cleanly from the main plant.  


Again when replanting do not water for a few days and keep the plants in a sheltered position. It will take about one month for the new roots to strongly emerge into the potting media.

potted agapanthus after division

From one pot I now have three pots of agapanthus.  Dividing in Autumn also has the benefit that these agapanthus will settle in in advance of the flowering season and each is expected to not only flower but also offset. 


It is strongly recommended to never risk the survival of your agapanthus by dividing them in the summer months.

Dividing and transplanting in the garden
Again, only divide agapanthus after flowering. The best time to do this is in autumn. 

To make the plants easier to handle for lifting and division, cut the foliage back and dig around the perimeter of the plant keeping the spade or gardening fork at least 140mm out from the plant basal area and to a depth of about 200mm. Using a garden fork, seek to left the plant out of the ground. If it does not want to come out, dig the perimeter deeper. Once out, shake off the soil and seek to pull the plants apart. If the plants do not easily separate then a sterile knife can be used to cut through the roots and basal areas. 

Allow the plants time to seal the wounds before replanting by leaving them in a protected cool position for about 2 to 3 days depending on environmental conditions before replanting. When planting out use a slow release fertiliser blended in the soil. After replanting, do not water them for a couple of days and then keep the garden soil on the dry side of moist for about one month whilst new roots establish in the soil and the plants are showing healthy new growth.

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