Amateur Gardening – 29 June 2019

29 JUNE 2019AMATEUR GARDENING 19

Plants tend to take best when

in growth and added to warm

soils, so plant them between

May and August.

Find alstroemerias a

sheltered, sunny or lightly

shaded spot where soil is

well conditioned but well

drained so their fleshy

tubers won’t rot during winter.

Water new plants during their

first season while establishing.

The occasional high-potash (tomato type) liquid feed in

summer will encourage better flowering. Taller varieties

will need some support.

For winter insulation, mulch dormant plants with an

8in (20cm) layer of bark but push back gently in spring.

Potted plants are vulnerable to winter cold. Insulate

the pot sides or move under glass.

Take care when cutting or deadheading, as sap can

irritate sensitive skin.

To propagate, divide and replant clumps in spring.

Autumn-sown seed germinates better after being soaked

for a few days, with several water changes. Sow, top with

grit and place in an unheated greenhouse or frame.

Care and cultivation

Alluring alstroemeria

‘Bonanza’

Blooms of rich pink with

flashes of yellow on upper

petals and generous

markings open from June

to November on plants

3ft (90cm) tall.

‘Duke William’

Blooms of soft pink and

white are prettily spotted

and speckled on plants

28in (70cm) tall. Flowers

from June to September.

‘Summer Breeze’

Orange blooms with yellow

highlights and dark dashes

shine against dark bronze-

red foliage all summer

long. Reaches 24in (60cm).

Inset: John Swithinbank/TI Media

‘Apollo’

Eye-catching white

flowers from June to

November are lit by

golden yellow centres

and handsome markings.

Reaches 3ft (90cm).

Woolmans

Plants tend to take best when

in growth and added to warm

soils, so plant them between

tubers won’t rot during winter.

Water new plants during their

first season while establishing.

Keep mulch clear from

stems to avoid rotting

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