Alstroemeria are a herbaceous perennial with mid-green, lance-shaped leaves and terminal clusters. Petals often have distinctive markings. They originate from Peru, Brazil and mainly Chile which also earned them the name ‘Lily of the Incas’

Interesting facts about Alstroemeria

• They are well known as a cut flower due to the bright colours and long vase life often of over 2 weeks.
• When picking the flowers do not cut the stems but pull them vertically with a bit of white subsoil stem. This encourages more flowers through the year.
• Species and varieties can vary from 12 inches high to 6 feet tall.
• After extensive breeding there are many new varieties in colour, petal shape and style.
• The genus has 50 species of tuberous rooted perennials only a few of which are hardy in the UK
• Sap from the foliage may cause skin irritation
• Grown in a large deep pot the plants bulk up successfully providing a good display and flowers for the house.

Alstromeria are available from Thompson & Morgan