Alstroemeria

Gender Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria) unites over 50 species native to South America, mainly from Chile, some from Brazil. They are characterized by lanceolate glaucous leaves without petioles or with short petioles, funnel-shaped flowers of various colors on long pedicels, collected in umbrella-shaped brushes, and tuberous thickened roots. The following types are most common. Alstroemeria orange-red (Alstroemeria aurantiaca) - a stable species with characteristic flowers in inflorescences-umbrellas and colored in rich yellow to orange and white tones; the upper two petals - with a red tint. Another species is Alstroemeria chilensis (A. chilensis). The flowers are pink or red; the upper tepals are yellow-tipped. Alstroemeria ligtu (A. ligtu) is a medium-hardy species with lilac, pink or purple flowers. Its hybrids surpass the main species in terms of plant endurance and height. The flowers of Alstroemeria pelegrina (A. pelegrina) are colored in tones from white to pink-lilac and cream, and the pair of upper petals is covered with light yellow and red-purple spots. The flowers of the very delicate 'White' variety have a dazzling white color. Flowers of semi -resistant Alstroemeria violacea are bright purple. Widely known varieties: 'Friendship', 'Mirella', 'Orchids. Alstroemeria is used to create garden beds and borders. In addition, particularly compact varieties and hybrids have been obtained that are suitable for growing in pots.

Gender Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria) unites over 50 species native to South America, mainly from Chile, some from Brazil. They are characterized by lanceolate glaucous leaves without petioles or with short petioles, funnel-shaped flowers of various colors on long pedicels, collected in umbrella-shaped brushes, and tuberous thickened roots.

The following types are most common.

Alstroemeria orange-red (Alstroemeria aurantiaca) - a stable species with characteristic flowers in inflorescences-umbrellas and colored in rich yellow to orange and white tones; the upper two petals - with a red tint.

Another species is Alstroemeria chilensis (A. chilensis). The flowers are pink or red; the upper tepals are yellow-tipped.

Alstroemeria ligtu (A. ligtu) is a medium-hardy species with lilac, pink or purple flowers. Its hybrids surpass the main species in terms of plant endurance and height.

The flowers of Alstroemeria pelegrina (A. pelegrina) are colored in tones from white to pink-lilac and cream, and the pair of upper petals is covered with light yellow and red-purple spots. The flowers of the very delicate 'White' variety have a dazzling white color.

Flowers of semi -resistant Alstroemeria violacea are bright purple.

Widely known varieties: 'Friendship', 'Mirella', 'Orchids.

Alstroemeria is used to create garden beds and borders.

In addition, particularly compact varieties and hybrids have been obtained that are suitable for growing in pots.

Cultivation

Usually used in the garden, plants are planted permanently in March or early April. In cold climates it is recommended the cultivation in pots, because in the winter they can be brought into the room. Planting is carried out in 15-20-centimeter containers filled with a mixture of top peat and turf (2:1); supports are immediately installed.

Location

Alstroemeria prefers partial shade, however, it tolerates the open sun well.

Temperature

During the entire growing season, the air temperature should not be lower than 5 °C. If the plant remains in the ground for the winter in the open air, it is recommended - even in mild climates - to mulch the soil with straw, leaves, peat or other similar materials. The onset of flowering is promoted by temperature conditions - 8-10 °C for 2-3 weeks. Flowers develop better at 18 °C. Most species do not tolerate too high (more than 24 °C) summer temperatures.

Watering

Alstroemeria prefers abundant watering during the growing season. Since autumn, it is enough to keep the ground slightly moistened.

Transplant

Potted plants are transplanted to a new container in April, provided that the roots have filled all the space in the old pot.

Care

Remove the weakest branches, they usually do not have flowers.

Reproduction

Propagate by dividing the rhizomes after flowering in summer and immediately planted on a permanent planting site. If they are divided in the spring, then segments of rhizomes are placed in pots and kept until autumn, until the time of planting. Alstroemeria is also propagated by seeds. Sowing is carried out in March in a soil mixture of sand and peat in equal parts. Seedlings are repicked (that is, planted singly) in pots with a diameter of 8 cm, and after a year they are planted at a permanent planting site. Another method is to divide the Bush into 4 to 6 parts and plant them immediately in a permanent place.

Diseases

Yellow spots on the leaves and deformity of the leaves themselves are symptoms of viral diseases, in which the plant can only be discarded. Snails can damage shoots and leaves, so you need to get rid of them with the help of appropriate baits.

Acquisition

Seeds are easy to find, they can be purchased in specialized companies-even by mail. But seedlings and formed plants are not easy to get, they are usually found only in horticultural centers with an expanded range of crops. The best time to buy and plant a permanent place in the garden is spring. Potted plants should be purchased in early summer. It is preferable to choose plants with unopened buds.