How big do Alstroemeria Indian summer get?
The perfect perennial for borders and patio containers where it will flower continuously from June to November. Height: 75cm (30). Spread: 60cm (24). Pot up Alstroemeria plants and grow them on in frost free conditions until large enough to plant outdoors. Container growing is extremely popular for alstroemeria, especially in gardens with challenging soil or limited space. These versatile plants perform beautifully in pots when given proper care. Ensure the pot you are using is large enough to keep the plants moist in warm weather.Mulch the clumps in autumn and winter to protect them further, and they will reliably overwinter outside. If you have a greenhouse it is well worth growing alstroemerias inside too. Pot them up into 5 litre pots in free-draining, gritty compost. Keep them frost free.After the flowers have finished the leaves are still photosynthesising and sending nutrients back down into the bulb. Ideally, feed and water the bulbs until the leaves have gone yellow and shriveled. A high potash feed, such as tomato feed, is suitable.As you replant the bulbs, place them six inches down into pots or 12 to 18 inches apart in the ground. After about 10-15 weeks, your Alstroemeria will begin to flower and continue to do so for two to four years.After the flowers have faded, it’s essential to let the foliage die back naturally. Their leaves should be left in place, ideally for around 6 weeks after flowering, so they can carry on feeding the bulbs and recharge the energy store for next year.
Will Alstroemeria bloom all summer?
Alstroemeria plants will usually bloom continuously from late spring through fall and throughout most of the year in frost-free climates. During the hottest months of the summer, flowering may slow down or stop but should resume once the cooler weather of fall arrives. An essential component of many bouquets thanks to its long vase life (over 2 weeks), Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) is a striking beauty that deserves a spot outdoors.Roses, peonies, and lilacs all go well with alstroemeria. Try creating a monochromatic flower arrangement in subtle hues of purples and violets, or combine soft pinks, salmons, and yellows for a feminine centerpiece.
When to plant Alstroemeria bulbs?
Plant Alstroemeria roots in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery. Soak the roots for 3-6 hours before planting, then pot up into 2 litre (or 15-20cm diameter) pots using a good quality multipurpose compost. Once established, Alstroemeria will spread in the garden and become even more floriferous.Frost tolerant Winter hardy only in mild climates. Dormant alstroemeria roots can tolerate temperatures to 23°F (−5°C); a few cultivars are hardy to 14°F (-10°C).Sunlight Requirements: Plant Alstroemeria in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Soil Conditions: Choose well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Optimal Timing: Plant Alstroemeria in the spring or Autumn.
How to grow Alstroemeria from bulbs?
Plant Alstroemeria roots in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery. Soak the roots for 3-6 hours before planting, then pot up into 2 litre (or 15-20cm diameter) pots using a good quality multipurpose compost. Gently separate the plant into several smaller sections. This may require slicing some of them apart with a sharp knife. Try to avoid damaging too many of the roots and tease them apart carefully with patience. Plant your new Alstroemeria divisions into their new spaces or pots and water well until established.There is no need to cut back alstroemerias in winter, they will die back to the ground naturally. In spring, before new growth appears, you can remove any remaining old stems.In the border, they can spread too much, but in pots, they can be contained. You can also keep them flowering for longer if you move the pots from the garden to a greenhouse or conservatory in the winter. But choose the shorter varieties,’ advises Ben. Taller alstroemerias are more likely to get blown over.
Do Alstroemeria bulbs come back every year?
Yes, alstroemerias grow back each year. They are a hardy herbacious perennial, meaning that growth dies back to the ground each winter before new growth appears in spring. Although deadheading flowers isn’t necessary for continued blooming you may find that you prefer to trim back some of the flowering stems at some point in mid-summer. This will encourage new flowering stems to emerge. Flowers will be closer to the foliage and the plant will look tidier.Regular deadheading (1-2 times a week) encourages the plants to put their energy into creating continuous growth and more blooms. Deadheading is a simple task, that only requires you to pinch or cut off the flower stem below the spent bloom, and just above the newest set of healthy leaves.So, unlike most other herbaceous perennials, alstroemerias are not deadheaded simply by removing the faded, coloured portion the flower and leaving the remains of the stem intact. The common practice with alstroemerias is to remove the whole stem by grasping it low down and pulling it sharply from the clump.