African Lily in October: monthly care

Agapanthus doesn't require pruning in the traditional sense, but it does need regular tidying to keep it healthy and looking good. The main task is deadheading and removing old foliage, and the best time for a thorough tidy-up is October, after flowering has finished and before winter sets in. Once the striking blue or white flower heads have faded in late summer, cut the entire flower stalk down to the base using secateurs or a sharp knife. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and keeps the clump looking tidy. If you want to collect seed, leave one or two heads to ripen fully, but be aware that seedlings can take several years to reach flowering size and may not come true to type. In October, go through the clump and remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves. Agapanthus is evergreen or semi-evergreen depending on the cultivar and the severity of the winter, so you'll often find a mix of fresh green leaves and tired brown ones. Pull away the dead foliage by hand or cut it off at the base—don't tug too hard or you risk disturbing the crown. If your plant is a deciduous variety, the leaves will die back naturally in autumn and can be cleared away completely. Avoid cutting back healthy green foliage in autumn, as the leaves continue photosynthesising through mild spells and help feed the roots. Agapanthus resents being disturbed, so resist the urge to divide clumps unless they've become congested and flowering has declined—every five to seven years is usually sufficient.