Alstroemeria Mix Color bulb pack of 5 Bulb

Alstroemeria flowers are borne in clusters on top of stout leafy stems and are attractively patterned and marked on the inside, creating an exotic and lily like appearance. Alstroemeria is also popular as a cut flower, as the blooms are long-lasting. Alstroemeria has long been a popular garden border plant as it is hardy and easy to grow. Over recent years, plant breeders have introduced many spectacular new alstroemeria varieties with a wider colour range and longer flowering qualities that give outstanding garden performance, including compact varieties that are especially suited to growing in pots. Alstroemeria flowers are also attractive to bees and pollinating insects.

Alstroemeria is a hardy herbaceous perennial, which means it lives for many years, with growth that dies back to the ground each winter. Ideally, plant alstroemerias in spring so they can settle in before flowering, spacing them 60 cm apart. For cut flowers, grow alstroemerias in an out of the way spot or ‘cuttings patch’ if you have space, such as on an allotment.

Water newly planted alstroemerias during dry spells until established but take care not to over-water as the fleshy roots are susceptible to rotting. Alstroemerias growing in pots should always be watered regularly to keep the compost evenly moist. During long dry spells, plants in borders can be given an occasional thorough watering to boost flowering. Feed in summer with a high potash fertilizer, such as a liquid tomato feed.

Taller varieties of alstroemeria benefit from staking to support flower-laden stems, using either twiggy ‘pea sticks’, canes and string, or different designs of plant support available to buy.

Once flowers have faded, rather than just cutting off the dead head, remove the whole stem by gently pulling it from the base of the clump – this stimulates new growth.