Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria – more info

Alstroemeria look exotic but are actually a very hardy plant. Native to South America, these lily-like blooms are one of the easiest cut flowers to grow at home. Receive your chosen alstroemeria variety as a tuber or a plug plant to start in pots or to plant directly out into the garden. Each winter, expect to see your alstroemeria die back to the ground where it overwinters as a tuber waiting to sprout again as the temperatures rise again in spring.

Plant a compact variety like ‘Summer Breeze’ in a patio pot to enjoy the summer blooms and place taller, full size varieties like ‘Tree Everest Mix’ in the cutting garden so you’ll never run out of spectacular stems for the house. Not only do alstroemeria readily grow in pots and containers, they’re very attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.

Are alstroemeria toxic to domestic animals?

Dogs should not eat alstroemeria. Whilst they’re not deadly poisonous for pooches they can cause digestive upset. Cats, however, don’t have ill effects from alstroemeria. If in doubt, grow your alstroemeria at the allotment or in a container out of reach of any marauding canines.

Does alstroemeria spread?

Alstroemeria is a clump-forming perennial. If you are lucky enough to have a large mature clump, divide it in early spring to make new plants. Gently lift the root ball using a garden fork and carefully untangle. Avoid cutting the fleshy roots with your spade, as they can be prone to rotting. Shake the rootball to remove any soil that may be in the way. Replant the new plantlets straight away into fertile soil and water them in well.

Which compost is best for alstroemeria?

Use a free draining, fertile compost to grow your alstroemeria in a container. Their roots don’t like sitting in water, but also don’t like drying out so water a little and often during the summer to keep the compost damp. Dig in organic matter to your garden bed before planting. Choose a spot in full sun for the best blooms, and use a balanced fertiliser to feed your plants during the spring and summer.