echinacea & agapanthus

hello! I went to the eden project on friday - it was soooo amazing! Anyway they had some plants for sale, and brought a tiny echnacea and a small agapanthus plant. They were bargins! guess my big question is..... do I plant them now or keep them in their pots in the plastic greenhouse to protect them. My friend has suggested the plastic thing so thought I'd ask what was best here.....

 

Not sure what Echinacea or Agapanthus you have mz as some Agas are decidious and some evergreen but both are perennial. As you say they are small I would be inclined to leave them in their pots at this time of year and plant them out in the spring. They are ok outside for a few months lt least only possibly needing protection, given your locality, December to march.
Some folk leave Agapanthus in pots as they are reputed to flower better if pot bound but mine flower equally well in the ground.

 

thanks strongylodon. My Agapanthus is an african lily and the echinacea is purpurea if that helps? my old problem is I go away for 3 weeks over christmas so wont be able to water them in their mini protection... will that be ok?

 

Most plants are dormant at that time so do not need water any way, 3 weeks is easy to manage

 

perfect - thanks for the reassurance!

 

Agree, give them some protection over winter, maybe repot them into bigger pots though. The Echinacea will die down soon and reappear next year. Can't comment on the Agapanthus, I've not grown them.