Agapanthus walshii is endemic to South African. It is known from a restricted range in the Elgin valley, Western Cape. In a recent publication, Agapanthus walshii has been renamed as a subspecies of Agapanthus africanus.
Agapanthus walshii also called as Agapanthus africanus subsp. walshii, is a species of the genus Agapanthus. This species was described by Harriet Margaret Louisa Bolus in 1920.
IDENTIFY AGAPANTHUS WALSHII PLANT
Agapanthus walshii is endemic to South African. It is known from a restricted range in the Elgin valley, Western Cape. In a recent publication, Agapanthus walshii has been renamed as a subspecies of Agapanthus africanus.
The flowers are pendulous, often light blue, seldom dark blue and rarely white. The leaves are evergreen, mainly erect and on average 10 mm broad and 200 mm long. The flower stalk is 60 cm tall. It also flowers best after a fire.
In their nature habitat, pollination is by wind, bees and sunbirds. Baboons and buck sometimes eat the flower heads just as the first flowers begin to open. The seed which is often parasitized is dispersed by the wind. These plants are adapted to survive fire in the fynbos. They re-sprout from thick, fleshy roots.
AGAPANTHUS WALSHII PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Agapanthus walshii is by far the most difficult agapanthus to grow. The plant requires good lighting in the summer, with a lack of light, the flower stalks are extended, and they need support.
Temperature:
Agapanthus africanus subsp. walshii need the average temperatures. In summer, the optimal temperature is at around 25 ℃. In winter a low temperature of 10-12 ℃ is desirable. The plants will not tolerate freezing weather for any length of time.
Substrate and growing media:
Agapanthus walshii are best grown in a very well-drained, sandy, acid mix with minimal watering in summer. It can only be grown as a container plant and will not survive if planted out. It is unfortunate that it is so hard to grow because It is most attractive when in flower and would make an excellent pot plant.
Watering:
The plants should be kept well watered during the growing season to ensure success. A regular watering schedule should be followed during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. The plants should be watered when the top 8 cm of soil is dry. Water weekly in summer but in winter allow the soil; to dry off more between waterings.
Fertilizer:
Agapanthus africanus subsp. walshii should be fertilized in early spring and this should continue until they bloom. The soil should be wet prior to the application of fertiliser. A selected fertiliser made for flowering bulb plants should be used. Follow the directions on the label according to the size of a planting site. Seedling and adult plants responded well to composted soil and application of a slow release fertilizer.
Propagation:
Agapanthus walshii can be propagated by fresh seed. The seed germinates best if sown in a well-drained seed mix and lightly covered. The seed trays should be placed on heated beds under a mist spray set for about 5 minutes twice a day. Germination takes place in 4-6 weeks and the trays should then be removed to a lightly shaded area. Good results will also be obtained when the trays are placed indoors or outdoors in light shade and watered twice a day, provided the day time temperature is higher than 18° C.
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