Alstroemeria aurantiaca Orange King

Alstroemeria 'Orange King' is a safe bet. This old variety of Inca Lily with flamboyant flowers is both a good border plant and an excellent cut flower. Suitable for outdoor cultivation, in all climates, it is hardy down to -15°C (5°F) in well-drained soil. Its exotic-looking lily flowers are light and vibrant orange, speckled with yellow and streaked with brown at the throat.

Alstroemeria 'Orange King' is derived from a tuberous species called Alstroemeria aurantiaca, the yellow alstroemeria, probably the hardiest of all. Its ancestor is native to South America, particularly the Chilean Andes and Patagonia. This high-altitude plant belonging to the Alstroemeriaceae family is relatively hardy, and likes cool, well-drained soil in lightly wooded and fresh areas. Slow to establish, the Inca Lilies can disappear or... become invasive! Quirky but fantastic plants, very sensitive to growing conditions, they are "indestructible" when you find the right spot for them.

'Orange King' quickly forms clumps of robust leafy stems that can reach 80 cm (32in) in height when in flower, with a spread of 50 cm. Flowering takes place in July-August, depending on the climate. The open flowers are gathered in terminal umbels. They are composed of 3 small light orange central petals, widely speckled with yellow towards the base, streaked with brown-purple, surrounded by 3 larger petals, of the same light and vibrant orange washed with yellow. The outer side of the petals is a deeper orange, tending towards red. Each plant can produce at least 20 flowers. The foliage, abundant in this Alstroemeria aurantiaca, is arranged on the upper part of the stems. The leaves of this variety are an elegant slightly greyish green shade. The foliage and stems disappear in winter, leaving only the trailing stump with fleshy roots underground. This stump is sensitive to the shock of transplantation, especially in older plants.

When mature, 'Orange King' Alstroemeria is a magnificent sight in borders or on a semi-shaded slope. This plant will blend well, for example, with the white flowers of chamomiles or the blue of perennial flax. It can also be paired with orange or blue shrubby salvias, or with grasses; Stipa, small Miscanthus or Muhlenbergia capillaris will take over from its flowering with their magnificent foliage and late-season blooms. One can also plant Ceratostigma plumbaginoides alongside it, with intense blue flowers and red foliage in October. Pot cultivation is also possible.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before installing them outdoors once the risk of frost is definitively eliminated.