Alstroemeria Majestic Henri - Peruvian Lily

Alstroemeria 'Majestic Henri' is a variety that flowers for up to 5 months. This hardy perennial features beautifully contrasting flowers in a lovely soft apricot-pink colour with yellow tepals streaked with dark markings. Its cut flowers last a long time in a vase. it requires rich and well-draining soil, and regular watering during dry spells. Plant it in full sun or partial shade, in a bed sheltered from strong winds that could cause the long stems to bend.

Alstroemerias belong to the Alstroemeriaceae family. They are perennial plants with tuberous roots native to South America. The hardiest varieties, such as A. aurantiaca, are native to the Chilean Andes and Patagonia. They can take a while to establish, and can either disappear or become invasive. Quirky yet fantastic plants, they are very sensitive to growing conditions and are "indestructible" once you find the right spot for them. Breeders have been working for a few years to develop more reliable varieties that can withstand our cold and humid winters. The Majestic series was developed near Angers. It includes tall hybrids that can tolerate short frosts of around -15°C (5°F) if the root is protected from moisture.

Alstroemeria 'Majestic Henri' quickly forms dense clumps from spring onwards, with numerous leafy stems reaching a height of approximately 70cm (8in) when in bloom, with a similar spread. The flowering period lasts from June to October, blooming without interruption if the soil remains moist. Each flower stem carries multiple 5 to 6cm (2in) flowers arranged in terminal umbels. They consist of 3 small golden yellow central petals streaked with brown, surrounded by 3 slightly wider petals in a pink-apricot colour. The foliage is abundant and arranged along the stems, with dark greenish-blue leaves. The foliage and stems die back in winter, leaving only the slightly running stump with fleshy roots underground. This stump is sensitive to transplant shock, especially in older plants.

The strikingly coloured Alstroemeria 'Majestic Henri' stands out in a slightly exotic bed or mixed border, alongside daylilies, coneflowers, and crocosmias. Lighten up the scene with medium-sized grasses such as stipa, small miscanthus, or Muhlenbergia capillaris. Add clumps of Verbena bonariensis 'Buenos Aires'. Its flowers last up to three weeks in a vase if you remember to change the water daily and occasionally trim the stems. In a large flower pot, pair it with blue lobelias or Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost', for example.