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Agapanthus and eucharis, cut flowers from beyond the equator, have adapted themselves to the Indian climate, says Kiran Narain
THE availability of plants from all over the world has given an opportunity to garden lovers to grow decorative plants. Two such plants from the amaryllidaceae family have become popular and are easily available with flower bulb and garden shops. Agapanthus or Lily of the Nile is not a bulb in the true sense but is usually listed in bulb-growers catalogue. Originally found in South Africa, it is a herbaceous perennial which produces excellent cut flowers. The fleshy roots send up mounds of long linear leaves producing purple, blue or white flowers about one to three inches, which are borne in dozens on showy umbels. Best suited for rich warm soil, agapanthus is generally grown in tubs, though it can also be grown outdoors. A compost of two parts loam, one part leaf mould and half part sand is ideal for it. The plants do not like frequent disturbing and will be happy with dozes of liquid manure applied many times during the growth period. A sunny position or even one in partial shade in hot climate is required but a mulch of leaf mould or saw dust during hot and dry weather as well as winters should be placed to protect the plants. Water can be withdrawn gradually after flowering. In hill stations, it can stand some degrees of frost but is better grown in tubs which can be moved in during harsh winters. Propagation is best done by division when moving the clumps after a few years. Eucharis grandiflora or Amazonica (Fam. amaryllidaceae) is a bulbous plant of beauty and fragrance. Available in white and white with yellow, the flowers, which measure about two inches across, have a striking resemblance to daffodils. Flowers appear above shiny evergreen leaves in clusters of three to six blossoms on one to three feet tall stems. Eucharis is a good cutflower which is specially valued for wedding bouquets in the West. Since it likes partial shade and does best in bright light but not direct sun, eucharis makes a good potted plant. It may not survive frost and does well in temperatures ranging from 15`B0 C to 27`B0 C. Eucharis has alternate periods of growth and rest and may flower at any time. It will grow well if liquid manure is applied as soon as the flower stems appear. Water liberally during active growth and in case the flowers appear during hot season, the plants will appreciate syringing with cool clean water. After flowers fade, withhold fertilising and watering enough to prevent foliage from withering. A compost of two parts rich garden loam, one part leaf-mould, one part sand and some broken charcoal with a liberal supply of bone meal is ideal for eucharis whether grown in soil or pots. Give good drainage and press soil firmly around and between bulbs. It likes to be pot-bound so repotting can be done every three to four years. Top-dress established plants with rich soil annually. Eucharis is propagated by offsets which come up with the mother bulbs.
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