ALSTROEMERIA 'Indian Summer' ('Tesronto')

 Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'

Commonly known as the Peruvian Lily, Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer' is arguably one of the most ornamental of all the Alstroemeria hybrids and cultivars. It is noted for its gorgeous burned orange and yellow flowers, which bloom against a backdrop of dark green-purple leaves making it is one of the most striking of all late summer flowering plants. There is some confusion with the cultivar name as it is can also be found under the more difficult to pronounce of  Alstroemeria 'Tesronto'.

Despite its exotic looks Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer' is a frost hardy, deciduous herbaceous perennial making it a perfect, if not comparatively expensive, specimen for northern European gardens. It has an upright, and clump-forming habit with lance-shaped leaves. Under the right condition you can expect Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer' to achieve an ultimate height of  between 60 - 100 cm in 2 -5 years.

The eye-catching, fiery blooms are produced early on in the summer but continue in succession until mid-autumn. The flowers open in funnel-shaped, cluster and are intricately marked with red tones and brown flecks on the inner petals.

Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer' is protected by plant breeders rights and is not available from seed. Pot grown plant should be available in the spring but will need to be kept under protection until the threat of late frosts have passed. There is no reason why you cannot pot on established specimens into larger containers at his time.

Once the risk of late frosts has passed, plant Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer' in a sunny or semi shaded position in fertile, moist, well drained soil. If you wish to grow your Alstroemeria in a patio containers then use good quality soil based compost such as John Innes No.3.

Water regularly over the growing season and feed container grown plants with a water soluble plant fertilizer one a month.

Old stems can be cut back to neat ground level in late autumn and a dry mulch of bark chips, straw or bracken. This will help to protect the roots during extended periods of freezing weather, however in the warmer regions of southern England ths will not be necessary. Container grown plants can be brought in to a cool frost-free position.

Alstroemeria does not like to have its roots disturbed by but mature specimens can be divided in the autumn or spring if clumps become overcrowded.

Remove spent flower heads as they appear to encourage further blooms, and be aware that they will attract damage from slugs and snails if not controlled.

For related articles click onto the following links:
HOW TO GROW ALSTROEMERIA
HOW TO GROW ALSTROEMERIA FROM SEED

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