Position
Garden: Choose a spot with full sun or part shade. Ensure the location has well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
Pots: If possible, place pots in a sunny position with some afternoon shade, especially in warmer regions.
Prepare Soil
Garden: Alstroemeria thrive in loose, well-draining soil. Before planting, compost or organic matter should be used to improve drainage and fertility.
Pots: Use a high-quality potting mix like Oderings Potting & Basket Mix.
Feed
Garden: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage lush growth and abundant blooms. Feed again mid-season to keep plants flourishing.
Pots: For best results, use a liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during flowering. You can also incorporate Total Replenish in spring for a boost.
Watering & Mulching
Water regularly, especially during the flowering season, to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid letting pots or garden beds dry out.
Mulch around the base of garden plants with organic material to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This also provides some insulation during cooler months.
Protection
Slugs and Snails: Use slug bait to keep these pests at bay, as they can damage young shoots and flowers.
Frost: Alstroemeria are formant in winter and are frost-hardy but benefit from a layer of mulch or straw during cold winters to protect their roots.
Picking Flowers
Alstroemeria are renowned for their long-lasting flowers, which are perfect for bouquets. To pick the flowers:
- Pull, rather than cut, the flower stems close to the base. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms.
- Place the stems immediately in water and enjoy their vibrant display for weeks.
Garden Expert Tip
Did you know Alstroemeria are named after Swedish botanist Klas von Alstroemer, who collected their seeds in 1753? With around 50 species, these plants range from compact varieties like the Princess Series to taller meadow varieties. The Princess Series, with colours like red and gold, purple and white, and apricot and cream, are perfect for pots or dense, flowering mounds in the garden.
Once established, alstroemeria dislikes being disturbed, so plant them in their forever home and let them reward you with seasons of show-stopping flowers. Regularly remove old flower stems to keep blooms coming and enjoy the fuss-free beauty they bring to your garden.
Once you plant one, you’ll want more—and why not? Alstroemeria truly ticks all the boxes for a gardener’s dream: easy care, low maintenance, and high performance.
