Spence (or anyone) what is this? Need advice!

[NEED-A-VETTE]

Our house has these plants:



First, I have no idea what they are. They're beautiful. Nice dark green leaves year round and these pretty blue flowers for about a month:



Here's my issue: they grow like crazy. Every few weeks, I end up with a pile like this or worse:



I don't mind them growing in the background, but I dont want them growing so close to that front (white) wall. (Where I have them at now is right about where I want them.)

When we first moved in, they were overgrown to the point that the white wall wasn't visible and the plants had actually broken through and pushed off the red bricks lining the top. I literally had to take a pick axe, get under the roots and yank them out. Some of the roots were as wide as my wrist. Caitlin and I were literally bouncing on the pick axe just to get the damn things loose. Total OSHA violation, I'm sure. I miss my free child laborer.

Anyhow, back to the plants... The roots spread under the soil, obviously. Here's what they look like:



I've reduced the water that goes to that area. Doesn't seem to have any effect. They still grow like crazy. I'm at the point where I'm yanking out the landscape lighting (hence, the wire in the first pic) because the roots wrap around it and it gets pulled up everytime I thin the plants, anyhow.

So, having said all that, do you have any suggestions on slowing down their spread?

I'm at a loss...and I'm getting tired of having to thin out these bastards every few weeks. Unfortunately, if I don't do it that often, the roots get a stronger hold and it's way difficult to pull them up.

Ideas?

[beadist]

I love them

Agapanthus is a landscape staple in warm-winter regions, and it's no wonder why. This easy-to-grow perennial produces colorful globes of blue or white trumpet-shape flowers in summer and fall. Its evergreen strappy leaves add texture to beds, borders, and containers.

Agapanthus blooms best in a spot where it gets full sun and has moist, well-drained soil. Divide it every three to four years to keep clumps healthy and vigorous.

If you live in a cool-winter area, you can overwinter agapanthus in containers by bringing the pots to a cool (around 40 degrees F) spot and watering them only once a month or so. In spring, move the containers back outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Potted agapanthus is said to bloom best when slightly root-bound.

Light:
Sun,Part Sun
Zones:
7-11
Plant Type:
Perennial
Plant Height:
To 4 feet tall
Plant Width:
To 3 feet wide
Flower Color:
Blue/Violet/Lavender, White
Bloom Time:
Summer, Fall
Landscape Uses:
Containers,Beds & Borders
Special Features:
Flowers,Cut Flowers,Deer Resistant,Easy to Grow

[NEED-A-VETTE]

Thanks!

Water them once a month, huh? I have that zone on once a week. I guess I'll reduce it further.

[tshirts and jeans]

i love these plants as well...and i can't get them to flower....they just come up and never do anything......and the name that beadist called them is not what i call them but for some reason i am drawing a blank right now.....tired i guess...

[NEED-A-VETTE]

Originally Posted by tshirts and jeans

i love these plants as well...and i can't get them to flower....they just come up and never do anything......and the name that beadist called them is not what i call them but for some reason i am drawing a blank right now.....tired i guess...

Ours flower like crazy. They're really pretty, so I don't want to get rid of them. I just want to slow their spread.