[Optimistic Gardener]

I've never grown these before but I'd love to give them a go. I asked at a garden centre and apparently the bulbs are available from January onwards. Anyone able to give me any tips or recommend any particular variety that I should try?
Thanks

[Yorkie]

The only thing I know about them is that they quite like being potbound / congested.

If you're putting them in pots, well drained and use John Innes #2 or #3 compost rather than multipurpose.

[Kristen]

The Evergreen ones are usually tender and need protection in the Winter - I grow those in pots, plunge the pots in the border for the Summer and then bring them into frost free greenhouse for the winter.

The Deciduous ones are more hardy, although some may still need a bit of protection.

Other than that it depends a bit on what you fancy. There are some very tall ones, some with very dark blue flowers, and some that are prolific & hardy but less dramatic - such as Headbourne Hybrids (you can grow those from seed, but it will take a couple of years before they flower)

Avon Bulbs have a reasonable selection, in case you want to have a look to get some ideas of colours etc.

http://www.avonbulbs.co.uk/spring-planted-bulbs-and-snowdrops/agapanthus/c65/Catalog.aspx?size=0

[Dilly Dom]

I've had agapanthus growing in a pot for years, they've survived really low temperatures outside but what I would say is to make sure that they are in a sunny position in the summer.  They also seem to like a fair amount of watering, I really love them.

[Kristen]

they've survived really low temperatures outside

Sorry to labour the point, but this is very dependent on variety / type, most Agapanthus will be killed by really low temperatures (particularly if in pots left outside as roots will get colder than if planted in the ground) and I would hate anyone to buy one of the tender types and then lose it by not realising that it was not hardy.

[Optimistic Gardener]

Thanks for your comments.  I'll probably go with deciduous ones. We're quite mild and sheltered here. My pots will be on a south facing patio so should do well I think. Thanks again.

[Agatha]

Just seen this topic - if you haven't ordered your agapanthus yet - I've had several from Broadleigh Bulbs - they do a lovely selection, send a good-sized clump and amazingly, most of them flowered in the first year of planting.  Had 3 orders from them now.  Only problem is deciding which ones to choose... 

[cadalot]

If anyone wants seeds then PM me for my address and send a SAE.