The Alstromoemeria ligtu hybrids are the result of a cross between closely related genera, A. haemantha and various subpecies of A. ligtu, all tender perennials native to Chile. They grow 2-4″ tall from a thick fibrous root system and have deciduous leaves that are lanceolate and twist on their petioles so that they are in an inverted position. The azalea-like flowers appear on wiry branched stems in loose clusters of fifteen or more and are 1.5″ across. They appear in early summer and may be pink, red, apricot, peach, salmons, lilac, yellow and cream, all with white, purple or red markings. Plants go dormant after blooming but may be planted over with annuals. The hybrids tend to self-seed but are not as invasive as some other members of the genus. The flowers are especially prized in the florist industry but the plants are suitable for borders and containers. The genus name, Alstroemeria, honors Klaus von Alstroemer (1736-1794) who was a Swedish naturalist and student of Karl Linnaeus. The specific epithet, ligtu, is the Chilean vernacular name for the plant.
Type: Tender perennial
Bloom: Azalea-like flowers in loose ternimal clusters of 15 or more, in early summer
Size: 2-4′ H x 1.5′ W
Light: Full sun to part sun
Soil: Fertile, consistently moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 7-10
Care: Feed regularly through out the growing season
Pests and Diseases: Generally healthy and pest free but susceptible to slugs.
Propagation: Seed, division in fall or very early spring, but take care as roots are brittle.
Companion Plants: Smoke bush, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, golden Marguerite
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen Meyers