Agapanthus Bare Root- What now ?

Just received my Agapanthus collection from J Parkers - they appear to be in very good condition. Now bare root planting puts the fear of god in me you seem to be planting some brushwood ! I think Agapanthus are more rhizome than a dry root though ?
I was going to plant them in MPC mixed with sharp sand in 8" terracotta pots - 3 or 4 to a pot.
- Do I leave the pots outside in a sheltered spot ?
- Should I plant them into flower beds next spring or leave them in the pots ?
- Will they flower first year ?
TIA

 

I personally would put them in pots and overwinter them in the greenhouse if you have one or somewhere frost free because as they are South African plants they might not be frost hardy although having said that I have one in a gravel bed against my house wall that gets the afternoon sun and it has survived the last two years,but then again the winters the last few years have been quiet mild.

When we had really heavy hoar frosts and snow a few years back I left one of my large Agapanthus in one of my borders as it was quiet large and I struggled to get it out and ended up losing it.

Let us know what you do with them as it is interesting to learn other people's experience with these lovely plants

 

I agree with Kandy, pot them up and put them somewhere frost-free. The forecast is for a very cold winter.

 

@daitheplant

What's your view on watering in winter while in the frost-free location?

 

David, I would suggest you just keep the compost moist.

 

Ive had agapanthus in the garden for many years.
As I understand it the deciduous types are pretty much hardy, the evergreen ones are not.

I only have a couple of the deciduous types and they have been hardy outside for years in differing locations.

However I would go along with the thinking of potting up in damp compost this winter, with a view of planting out next spring.

They often say they like to be pot bound to flower well, but usually pot bound means struggling to me.

 

Thanks all for the advice
I'll pot them up frost free until next spring . Hope they flower first year !