Alstroemeria

[Ann B.]

They say that this one can be invasive...

[sue salley]

They are not ver yhardy here Ann. But my daughter and I bought a big pot of one that is cream and pink. It says it is hardy in Zone 6 with proper mulch. We planted it yesterday and yu can be sure we will mulch the heck out of it come winter. I will get a picture when someone with a good camera comes by. That one is lovely with the red in it.

[MichiganDave]

Wow, Ann, you have a lot of beautiful and specialty bulbs!

[abbyjen]

Alstroemeria Regina just starting to bloom -

although not quite as invasive as Alstroemeria Psittacina I keep on the safe side and keep it in a large pot.


http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t287/jetak/GARDEN/AlstroemeriaRegina.jpg

[Ann B.]

Today, I stopped by Walmart really quick and checked out the incoming arrivals before doing the necessary shopping.

Low and behold, there were at least 4 or maybe 5 different varieties being sold as 'annuals' with no labels really other than that.

I couldn't find a price tag and it was raining, so getting more and more soaked as I walked around the garden center, I figured I would come back in a day or two.

I did spot one with seed pod, not ripened yet. None were the red, like my mothers, but there were shades of dark pink, light pink and white.

It took me awhile of searching through the forums to find the botanical names, and Sue Salley, I finally searched your posts until I found the name.

BTW, Sue! Have you ever tried stem cuttings of these? I just think they are so beautiful. Mama never gave me any seeds and she is not ready to divide any yet.

[Great-Full]

They've been selling this (in several colors) as annuals for at least 6-7 years here in Augusta. I've had a few, love them but kept them in pots. I'm glad you mentioned the 'invasion' issue because I'd not heard it. The last thing I need in my ground is another creeping monster to fight. I have something that has a similar leaf that's driving me crazy. It has a light lavender/pink different shaped bloom but think it must be the same family. It's nice but VERY strongheaded. I dug that bed completely out 18" deep last summer and yesterday found some starts of it sneaking up. Wish I could remember who gifted me with it. I actually wouldn't mind if it were out in a distant place but it's in a prime place. I WILL WIN this battle.

[sue salley]

They hav some varieties now that are supposed to be more hardy. The one I had is supposed to be zone 7 or 6 if mulched. So far I see no signs of it coming up but it is still early. I hope it comes back as it was so beautiful.

[Dazed_Lily]

:D I did spot one with seed pod, not ripened yet. I had to read this twice b/c I was wondering 'why didn't Ann harvest the seed pod ?!'
Buggy Crazy (Lisa Hunt) looks to have a hardy one: http://buggycrazy.vstore.ca/product_info.php/pName/alstromeria-sweet-laura-bareroot-plant

Although most of y'all probably can grow the less hardy ones!

[Rowan]

I bought some alstroemeria seeds this winter from South America. They are from native strains, not hybridized ones. Some of them are supposed to be hardy even in my area (depending on how high up in the Andes they're from). I love these plants, and have only tried the hybrid varieties in the past. With good luck, I'll be photographing the blooms later this summer!

[Rebecca]

I LOVE alstroemeria but have never been able to buy any, not even to grow as container plants. This A. 'Sweet Laura' looks very promising for use in the garden, although I would have to grow it in a pot and sink the pot so I could bring it inside just to be sure!

Kim if you have good germination and then a an extra seedling I'd be very interested.

Patsy, pinks and purples and tones in between are my favorite colors, bet if you sent me some of that "purple weed" I could kill it for you - not much can survive one of out harsh winters! On the serious side, I would take some next time you take a shovel to it. It might be something I can use in my planters as an annual or even as a carry over plant. Heck, I carry over Lantana and (garden) geraniums, why not these?


Rebecca

[Rowan]

Rebecca, I will definitely keep you in mind for an extra seedling!

[Ann B.]

It is understanding that this new varieties on the market are Tet hybrids.

When I got them, they were kept outside, but then there was a late frost so they were shuffled into the porch.

They are pretty, pretty, pretty, but now they will have to get used to full sun again. It was in the lower 40's this morning, downright cold, but the afternoon broght low 70's and lots of sun.

SO! The plastic is off the porch and plants will start getting moved outside tormorrow.

Anyway, here is a pic of some of the blooms and SEED pods!

Now, to figure out how to store and grow them...

[Great-Full]

Rebecca, I somehow had missed these last few posts until today. To try to rid this (whatever it is) I dug that bed 12" deep and sifted the soil last summer ... it's STILL sneaking up lately. I'll gladly stop tossing it and gift it you. If you don't like it you can toss it.

[sue salley]

Ann, I didn't try stem cuttings but did collect some seed pods. If I planted them they didn't germinate, if not I have lost them I guess. My original has not come back so I don't think it will. I wish it had as it was really beautiful. I will continue to use it as my avatar but won't spend that kind of money on something that will not survive here.

[Ann B.]

Sue,

If I remember correctly, I read somewhere that Alstroemeria seeds need stratification.

These are being sold a potted annuals with no name or plant type on the label. Some time ago, I found an article on Florida production of Hippeastrum and Alstromeria.

Here is the link:

http://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/Environmental/Tropical_bulbs/PerennialsII.PDF

There is no mention of cold hardiness and the article only states that the Tet hybrids were being developed for heat tolerance (and are patented). I don't know if what is in the store is one and the same, but the flowers are larger than my mother's and more beautiful.

Anyway, I have decided to plant them near the Thunbergia Battiscombie which are now in bloom, and I often cover during the winter on freezing days. This year, I let them go dormant, but covered them (just in case) when there was an early April freeze. The T. Battiscmbie are blooming beautifully.

I don't know if they will make it, but I'm going to give them a try. Like you say, they are expensive for an annual plant, but if I can figure out how to grow the seeds, then I might try that if the plants don't come back next spring.

Also, I read somewhere that the cut flowers do better if the stems are removed from the base. I should try that also if they come back next year, but for this year, I am going to try to harvest some seeds. I may have to use Cathy's tutus.