Alstroemeria Indian Summer

The Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer', which is also known as 'Indian Summer' Inca Lily, lives up to its name... This Alstroemeria is a recent variety with endless flamboyant flowers and unusual foliage. It has many qualities; from June to November, its flowers, a mix of yellow, orange, and red, are borne on very strong stems which are covered with unusual purple-highlighted bronze-green foliage. Not only is this variety very beautiful, it is also quite hardy  (-10°C/ 14°F) and highly resistant to diseases. It thrives in partial shade or morning sun, in a light soil that is not too dry.

The 'Indian Summer' Alstroemeria is a recent variety, resulting from the hybridization of several tuberous species native to South America, particularly the Chilean Andes. These high-altitude plants belonging to the Amaryllis family can be more or less hardy, thrive in moist, well-drained soil in light, cool woodland. Slow to establish, they can disappear or... become invasive! Quirky but fantastic plants, very sensitive to growing conditions, they are "indestructible" when they find the right spot. 'Indian Summer' quickly forms clumps of sturdy, leafy stems that can reach 75 cm (29.5 in) in height when in flower, with a spread of 50 cm (19.7 in). The flowering period lasts from June to October-November. The very open flowers are gathered in terminal umbels. They consist of 3 small central petals, bright yellow and streaked with brown, surrounded by 3 larger petals, tinted orange and pink-red. Each plant can produce at least 30 flowers. The foliage is arranged on the upper part of the stems. The leaves of this variety are a very rare bronze-green colour with hints of purple, in perfect harmony with the flowers. The foliage and stems disappear in winter, leaving only the spreading fleshy-rooted crown underground. The crown is sensitive to the shock of transplantation, especially in older plants.

The 'Indian Summer' Alstroemeria is a superb variety for cut flowers. But it is also an exceptional perennial, which, when mature, creates a magnificent display in flower beds or on a partially shaded slope. This plant combines well with grasses; Stipa, small Miscanthus, or Muhlenbergia capillaris will compliment its autumn colours with their foliage and magnificent late-season blooms. You can also plant Ceratostigma plumbaginoides alongside it, with its intensely blue flowers and red foliage in October. A marvel!

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants  are professional products best suited to experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in a sheltered place (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C/ 14°F for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.