ACTIONPLAN
NIGEL COLBORN’S ESSENTIAL JOBS FOR YOUR GARDEN THIS WEEK
Agapanthus and other summer bulbs are now coming to the end of their flowering period. If you don’t want to collect the seed, remove all spent flowering stems, cutting them low so the stumps are hidden in the foliage.
to ensure good growth and prolific flowering next year, apply a dressing of slow-release fertiliser. You won’t see an instant response — as you might with fast-growing summer plants. however, the bulbs will absorb and store the nutrients. this means that when growth begins next spring, theyy will develop more rapidly andd boost flower production for the e following summer.
I like to use bone meal. a naturall product, it is rich in phosphoruss and trace minerals. If you prefer not to handle animal products, go for a slow-release fertiliser, such as Osmocote all purpose.
as well as agapanthus (pictured d right), other summer bulbs suchh as crinums, lilies and eucomis will l get a boost from a late feed.