Alstroemeria plants – Hybrids and Species
Alstroemeria is commonly called the Peruvian Lily orLily of the Incas. Flowers resemble a miniature lily, and because of long vase life are popular as cut flowers.
Guaranteed to to add colour to the garden, these are reliable flowering plants and with so many colours available they are real winners as cut flowers.
Look for species and varieties including A. aurea, A. pulchella (Parrot Plant ), Alstroemeria Regina, Alstroemeria ‘Red Baron’. Dwarf cultivars known as ‘Princess Lilies’ are a wonderful low growing plant and will reach only 15cm in height..
The trumpet shaped alstroemeria hybrid flowers range in colors from white through to yellow and scarlet on long stems, yes they are a great cut flower.
Care and growing conditions
Alstroemeria plants prefer full sun to partial shade and a well drained humus rich soil. Alstroemeria bulbs grow well in a container and will bloom from spring through summer. Flowering from spring onwards and then die back at the end of summer to early autumn, its then that they can cut back and larger clumps can be be divided if required
Alstroemeria do require good drainage, to prevent diseases. A ph of around 6 is ideal. No really specific fertilisers seem to be available so use an all purpose slow release, or the same fertiliser you would use for carnations. Extreme heat will may a little wilt and perhaps leaf burn. Alstroemeria are also not very frost tolerant. Pests include aphids and thrips.
Care Summary
- Position – Sunny to a little shade. More shade in warmer climates and protection from mid summer afternoon sun is ideal.
- Soil – Humus rich well drained.
- Fertiliser – Use an organic fertiliser in spring.
- Mulch – In spring mulch around plants to maintain moisture and a cool root run.
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought tolerant – Yes once established and if well mulched.
Alstroemeria plants and bulbs are available for sale from the following nurseries and growers
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
365 Lighthouse Rd Wynyard. TAS 7325
PH 03 6442 2012
email to: sales@vdqbulbs.com.au
www.vdqbulbs.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au