Alstroemeria Inticancha Dark Purple - Peruvian Lily

The Alstroemeria Inticancha^® 'Dark Purple', like all varieties of Inca Lily from the 'Inticancha^® series', stands out for its extraordinary floribundance and compact habit, which is well-suited for ornamental containers. The plant continuously produces deep purple and velvety lily flowers from June to October, adorned with discreet dark stripes. They are carried by sturdy low stems that are resistant to harsh weather conditions. This less hardy perennial plant is easy to grow as an annual and requires very little maintenance. Plant it in partial shade or full sun, in a light and not too dry soil.

The Alstroemeria Inticancha^® Dark Purple 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, and they appreciate cool, well-drained soils in lightly wooded areas. They take a long time to establish and can either disappear or become invasive! Quirky and fantastic plants, very sensitive to growing conditions, they are "indestructible" once you find the right spot for them. The word "Inticancha" means "temple of the sun" in the Inca language.

Inticancha^® 'Dark Purple', like almost all plants in the series, is particularly easy to grow in good potting soil. The plant quickly forms bushy clumps of leafy stems reaching 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) in height when flowering, with a spread of 30 cm (12in). Flowering occurs continuously from June to October-November. The open flowers are gathered in terminal umbels. They consist of 3 small central petals with purple stripes of black, surrounded by 3 larger petals of a deep fuchsia-red colour. The flower's center is adorned with bright pink stamens, and the base of the corolla is almost black. 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 medium green-blue color. The plant disappears in winter, with only the trailing stump and fleshy roots remaining underground, which can withstand frosts down to -5/-8°C. The stump is sensitive to the shock of transplantation, especially in older plants.

The Alstroemeria Inticancha^® 'Dark Purple' is a superb variety for potted flower arrangements and cut flowers. On the terrace or balcony, it forms a floral bouquet that rivals the brilliance of balcony geraniums. In flower beds, this plant pairs well, for example, with other varieties from the Inticancha series ('Classic', 'Imala', 'Indigo'), as well as complementary grasses. Stipa, small Miscanthus, or Muhlenbergia capillaris will accompany its richly colored flowers with their foliage and magnificent late-season blooms. You can also plant Ceratostigma plumbaginoides at its base, with intensely blue flowers and red foliage in October. A marvel!

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in sheltered areas (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before being planted outdoors once the risk of frost has been definitively eliminated.