Plant Guide: Alstroemeria

These exotic-looking plants produce an abundance of flowers, creating a striking display in borders. The freely opening blooms are borne in clusters on stems up to 90 cm (3 ft) tall, above dark green, sword-shaped foliage. It may take a year for plants to establish and begin flowering, but once settled they flower generously. Container-grown plants tend to flower more quickly.

Flower colours include yellow, cream, orange, red, salmon and pink. The dwarf cultivars of the Princess series represent an important advance in plant breeding.
Alstroemerias originate from South America and are not always fully hardy. Ligtu hybrids are among the most cold-tolerant forms.

GROWING CONDITIONS

Aspect
Full sun or light shade.

Position
Alstroemerias perform best in a sheltered border and combine well with herbaceous perennials. They require free-draining soil.

CULTIVATION

Planting
Plant the fleshy tubers in spring, about 15 cm (6 in) deep, as soon as they become available. Handle with care, as the tubers are often brittle and can break easily. Do not allow them to dry out before planting. Alstroemerias are also available as container-grown plants in summer.

Feeding
Incorporate granular fertiliser into the soil at planting time. Water during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.

Problems
Plants may fail to flower in the first season after planting tubers. Once established, however, they are strong, vigorous growers. Plant them where they can remain undisturbed. Slugs are particularly fond of Alstroemerias, so take appropriate precautions.

FLOWERING

Season
Mid to late summer.

Cutting
Alstroemerias are excellent cut flowers and last well in a vase. For best results, cut stems when the buds are just beginning to open.

AFTER FLOWERING

Care
Remove spent flowers. Once the foliage has died back, protect the rootstock in winter with a layer of straw or dry leaves. Congested clumps of tubers can be lifted and divided in spring.