Alstroemeria Inticancha Machu - Peruvian Lily

The Astroemeria Inticancha^® Machu is a new hybrid variety of Peruvian lily, which stands out for its robustness, floribundity, and compact habit. So many qualities combined in a single plant, and here it is destined for the creation of magnificent flowering pots. Its lily-like flowers, delicately speckled with brown, evoke precious orchids and bloom continuously from spring to autumn. They are borne in large numbers on sturdy stems that withstand inclement weather. This not very hardy perennial plant proves easy to grow as an annual and requires very little maintenance for fantastic results. It thrives in partial shade or morning sun, in light, not too dry soil.

The Alstroemeria Inticancha^® Machu 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 amaryllidaceae family are more or less hardy, appreciate cool, well-drained soil in lightly wooded and fresh areas. Slow to establish, they 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. The word "Inticancha" means "temple of the sun" in the Inca language.

'Inticancha^® Machu', like all plants in the Inticancha^® series, is not difficult to grow in good potting soil. The plant quickly forms round clumps of leafy stems reaching 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14in) in height when flowering, with a spread of 30 cm (12in). The flowering takes place uninterrupted from June to October-November. The open flowers are gathered in terminal umbels. They consist of 3 small central petals, a tyrian pink streaked with brown, surrounded by 3 larger, lanceolate petals of the same satin-like pink. The flower's center has pink stamens. Each plant can produce at least 30 flowers. The foliage is located on the upper part of the stems. The leaves of this variety are medium green-blue in colour. The foliage and stems disappear in winter, leaving only the trailing stump with fleshy roots underground, which can withstand frosts down to -5/-8°C. The latter is sensitive to the shock of transplantation, especially in older plants.

The Alstroemeria 'Inticancha^® Machu' is a superb variety for potted flower arrangements and cut flowers. On the terrace or balcony, it forms a bouquet that rivals the brilliance of balcony geraniums. In borders, this plant pairs well, for example, with complementary grasses; Stipa, small Miscanthus, or Muhlenbergia capillaris accompany its rich colours with their foliage and magnificent late-season blooms. One can also plant silver baskets, hardy orchids, a toad lily, or Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, with intense blue flowers and red foliage in October, at its base. A marvel!

Our alstroemerias are delivered as plug plants measuring 4cm (2in) x 3.6cm (1in), green foliage, 5cm (2in) in height.

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 (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame, etc) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before being planted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.