The Battle with Bugs – Part 2

Posted on 23rd June 2022 by Bronwynne Britt

After our first post on this subject, one of our readers asked if we would talk about how to spot what bugs are bugging their alstroemeria. We'll also share some environmentally gentle ways to keep them under control.

So here is how you can spot them as well as some additional possible solutions to the ones mentioned in our previous post.

Bugs that Bug Alstroemeria

Aphids

How to spot ‘em – In most cases they cause little or no damage to plant health. However, when the numbers get out of hand your alstroe can have twisted and curled/yellowed leaves, stunted or dead shoots and poor growth.

Solution – Wash them off with a strong spray of water. Plant other plants that will attract natural enemies like lady beetles and wasps, as mentioned above. Organic pesticide such as neem oil can help. However, be aware that using any product on your plants can deter beneficial pests such as pollinators.

Harlequin Bug

How to spot ‘em – Besides the fact that these bugs brightly coloured armour is easy to spot, the leaves will most likely be turning yellow and have white spotty areas that will eventually turn brown and cause the leaves to die.

Solution – Mustard plants are their favourite. Once they have all congregated on there you can then employ the manual pick-off-and-squash method as mentioned previously.

Snails and Slugs

How to spot ‘em – Irregular holes in the leaves and the flowers, aside from the usual tell-tale slime trails.

Solution – Besides the manual removal method, slugs and snails have many natural predators such as ground beetles, shrews, moles, hedgehogs, toads, lizards and songbirds. Many of these animals would not survive without their slugs and snails so make your garden into a mini ark for a variety of creatures.

Two-spotted Spider Mite

How to Spot ‘em – The undersides of affected leaves are tan or yellow and have a crusty texture. Heavy infestations of spider mite make a fine webbing that may cover the entire plant.

Solution – Manual removal and mindful use of organic pesticides can be effective. Predators include predatory mites, thrips, lacewings, and minute pirate bugs. Again, creating an environment that encourages these beneficial bugs is ultimately the key to bringing about balance.

Silverleaf and Sweetpotato Whiteflies

How to Spot ‘em – When the weather gets warmer, keep an eye out for these little sap-suckers. Related to aphids, scales and mealybugs, their name comes from the white wax covering the wings and body on adult whiteflies. You will see a sticky honey dew-like substance on the leaves and they will be yellowing or dying.

Solution – Again, the lacewings and pirate bugs can help with these too and parasitic wasps like Encarsia can help.

For more details on what these bugs look like and how to deal with them, have a look at this.

To conclude, it is possible to work in harmony with nature, but of course it may be a bit more of a trial and error process than a one-size-fits-all approach.

After all, these so-called “bugs” are just one little part of a system that hasn’t benefited from our “assistance” (read: interference).

What do you think?

Feel free to share your thoughts with us via social media.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 – What’s New?

Posted on 20th May 2022 by Bronwynne Britt

Ever been to the Chelsea Flower Show?

Maybe you’ve been every year and you feel you’ve seen it all before.

But this year there's something new you won't want to miss!

The 2022 RHS Chelsea Flower Show has a whole new category called “All about Plants” highlighting how powerful plants can be in transforming our lives for the better.

These gardens will be more than displays. They will be experiences.

Project Giving Back is supporting 12 gardens focusing on the potent positive impact of plants on our overall health, community and industry. It will be an opportunity for us all to gain a deeper understanding of the fantastic work these charity organisations, community interest groups and educational programmes are doing in the UK.

Here are some of these inspirational gardens.

Plant-based Fashion

When throwing on your coat on a chilly day you probably won’t be wondering what it’s actually made of or how it was made. But there’s good reason to be more mindful about what we choose to wear.

A Textile Garden for Fashion Revolution will be bringing awareness to the need to challenge the fast fashion industry by reconnecting plants with textiles. They will show the beauty and benefits of using plants in dyes, fabrics and as design inspiration.

Fashion Revolution is working hard to create an accountable fashion industry that works with, rather than against, our environment.

Soldiers of the Air and Sea

The garden inspired by The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund presents an opportunity for us to reflect on what it might have been like to fight on the front line. Or have known someone risking their life for others in this way. This exhibit uses plants to show the peace after conflict - the invaluable support, help and protection this organisation has provided for veterans, serving personnel and their families for over 100 years.

You will also enjoy a garden dedicated to the Royal National Lifeboat Association. Their display will embody the historical and modern aspects of this impactful charity that has been saving lives at sea and in floods and educating communities in the UK and Ireland since 1824.

Hope for the Homeless

Organisation St Mungo’s does a vital work in helping the homeless in London, offering 3,200 people a bed and support each night. The garden dedicated to this cause called Putting Down Roots spotlights the ways in which plant-filled spaces in cities help to foster connections. People are drawn together to enjoy a serene, safe and neutral environment.

The Wilderness – Above and Below

Rewilding Britain is an organisation focused on returning Britain’s natural environments back to their original wildness. Their garden will show how much beautiful biodiversity can be re-established just by bringing back the beavers.

There will also be a brand new Blue Peter garden called the New Blue Peter Garden: Discover Soil. This will bring us up close and personal with the all-important underworld of soil. After all, where would we be without it? It will be a colourful, interactive display encouraging both children and adults to be enthused about gaining an in depth knowledge on the workings of the earth we all rely on.

All the gardens backed by Project Giving Back will continue shining their lights after the show by being moved to their permanent locations around the country.

Come and be amongst the first to see them and grab those tickets here.

Cut Flower Alstroemeria – Grow Your Own!

Posted on 13th April 2022 by Bronwynne Britt

What’s better than having a fresh bunch of alstroemeria on your dining room table every week?

Knowing they came from your own garden, that’s what!

That’s just one reason growing your own alstroemeria cutting garden is a great idea.

Need more convincing? Read on.

Why Grow your own Cutting Garden

There are many reasons to have your own alstroemeria cutting garden:

Alstroemeria thrive on being picked. The more you pick, the more they grow! The tugging method of picking (See “HOW TO PICK ‘EM” below) encourages more blooms to spring up and keeps them free of dying debris.
You can enjoy a greater variety than might be available to buy ready-picked.
You can tailor-make your selection and have them on hand forever.
You’ll learn more about the world of plants and what thrives in your garden.
It’s an affordable way of having a regular supply of fresh flowers in the vase.
Long stemmed flowers such as alstroemeria make great vase dwelling blooms. Their stature makes such a striking statement.
Perennials like alstroemeria are repeat flowering, meaning they come back year after year. So you will have a constant supply of flowers in blooming season!
If you plant them in pots in a greenhouse you can have alstroemeria flowers all year round.
Flowers encourage beneficial insects.

How to Plant ‘em

The alstroemeria plant varieties we grow are garden winter hardy. However, for the first couple of winters while they are establishing it will be best to mulch them well to make sure they are protected until they are big and strong enough to get through the winter without any assistance. Mulching helps prevent weeds too.

You’ll also want to:

Pick a sheltered, partly sunny, partly shady spot in the garden.
Grow them in pots. This is an even better option as they can be contained, whereas in the garden they can spread too much.
Keep them flowering for longer by moving the pots from the garden to a greenhouse or conservatory in the winter.
Feed them weekly through growing season (from May to September) as this will encourage your alstroemeria to flower well and repeatedly. A high potash fertiliser such as our Alstroemeria Feed is great.
Water them well but make sure the soil is well-draining as they don’t like having soggy feet.
Prevent long stemmed flowers from breaking off because of their height or the bed being overwhelmed by too much plant by spacing them out and providing supports for the taller varieties.
Keep your growing bed to 1.2m wide or less for ease of picking. However, if you are tall or are advanced in your yoga practice, you could make it wider than that.
Dead head after flowering season in the same way you pick them (See “HOW TO PICK ‘EM” below). This is important as it fends off disease, keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents them wasting energy on producing seeds at the expense of more flowers.

How to Pick ‘em

As mentioned above, there is a specific way in which to “pick” alstroemeria. So even though it’s traditionally called a “cutting garden”, when it comes to picking, you won’t be wielding secateurs with your alstroemeria.

That said, it is best to wait until at least one summer has passed to ensure your alstroemeria’s roots have taken hold in the ground and cannot be dislodged before employing the “tugging” method. Until then, you can still have fresh flowers by cutting them instead (with those sharp secateurs).

Otherwise, here is the preferred “tugging” method and other tips:

Get hold of the base of the stem and give it a firm tug and a slight twist at the same time. In this way the whole stem is removed from the root. This will ensure that the root area is free of rotting plant debris which causes disease. It also encourages the plant to re-flower, as it will produce another bud under the ground.
Pick them on a cool day/morning rather than when it is hot as they will be droopy from the heat.
Take a bucket of water with you while picking so you can put the stems straight into it.
Once ready to go in the vase, remove the leaves that will be under the water and put a little Milton in the water. This will stop the fungal moulds from growing and prolong their life.
Trim the stems and change the water every 2 to 3 days to keep them fresh.

Last but not least, sit back and enjoy gazing at them with a cup of tea.

Your eyes and mind will thank you.

The Battle with Bugs – Part 1

Posted on 17th March 2022 by Bronwynne Britt

You starting to see more bugs in the garden?

It can be tempting to want to go out there, all guns ablazing, ready to annihilate all those pesky pests from your beloved flowers.

However, it is important to keep in mind that with critter control in gardens, the aim is not to remove all bugs completely.

It is possible to protect your plants from serious damage while maintaining an environment that attracts a variety of critters.

Working in harmony with nature encourages more diversity in the garden. This way the environment will be more balanced and it will require less interference from us.

These are some general chemical-free methods that can help control pests.

Good Hygiene

For humans, keeping things clean is in the best interests of our overall health. And it is similar with plants. Good cultivation and sanitation are the best first steps in preventing pest and disease problems in the first place.

Just like people, when plants are stressed and unloved their health suffers and DIS-ease soon follows.

So keep them well-fed and appropriately watered. Rather more seldom, long watering than frequent shorter sprinkling.

However, sometimes in spite of our efforts, disease still blows in from somewhere or certain weather brings pests to the party.

When this happens it’s best to keep an eye on your plants and keep the number of pests down, as viruses can be spread by insects.

Traps

Sticky or pheromone traps for whitefly, codling moth and plum moth can be used to good effect. This won’t get rid of all of them but it will help keep the numbers at a manageable level.

Manual Removal

If you are in your garden regularly, most bug infestations can be prevented pretty easily by manual removal. Hosing your plants can be an effective way to get rid of bugs like aphids and slugs and snails can easily be picked off.

Helpful Habitats

Some swear by what has been called “companion planting”, whereas others have found it to have little affect at all. Again, nature has so many intricate symbiotic relationships woven through it. It’s not as simple as "plant X and you’ll get Y" (interesting discussion on this here).

So here are some suggestions on plants and habitats to try that could help attract natural predators that feed on the pests. Experiment and see what works for you:

Coriander, Caraway, Dandelions, Fennel, Marigolds, Sunflowers, Thyme and Yarrow is loved by ladybirds that like to feed on aphids
Open flowers that have easily accessible pollen and nectar such as ones in the daisy and umbellifer families attract short-tongued hoverflies that predate on pests
Beetle banks and ground cover can attract ground beetles that feed on snails and slugs. If you buy or make a Bug Hotel, make sure it is kept dry (bugs don't like the damp)

The Crux

All in all, it seems the key is to let them all be and do their thing as much as possible. The more we start nitpicking, trying to create a perfect pest-free environment, the worse things tend to get. And the more work it is for us!

In the end they’re not really "pests". They’re all just part of a wonderfully made food chain that effortlessly takes care of itself when it’s in balance. All without our assistance!

In our next post we’ll go in to how to spot what’s bugging your alstroemeria and what you can do to bring about a balance.

In Love with Alstroemeria

Posted on 16th February 2022 by Bronwynne Britt

It’s that lovey dovey time of year when we start thinking about who we fancy.

And whether or not they’d fancy something.

Or even you (don't be scared).

Valentine’s Day seems to have a bit of a chequered past (with bizarre rituals in Roman times). However, these days it’s an opportunity to give someone a note or some flowers when they least expect it.

If you missed the opportunity on the day, no sweat. Just make it a week/month/year of love!

Here's some Valentines inspired alstroemeria to gaze at while you contemplate romantic poetry (for that lovely person you see in the morning on your way to get your coffee):

Inticancha Passion

Striking white with purple blotches

Short (Height: 25-35cm Spread: 30cm)

Inticancha Romance

Vibrant pink with white throat

Short (Height: 25-35cm Spread: 30cm)

Inticancha White Pink Heart

Light pink throats fading to white

Short (Height: 25-35cm Spread: 30cm)

Inca Sweety

Pretty pink and white

Short (Height: 30cm Spread: 30cm)

Adonis

Magic magenta flowers with yellow throat

Medium (Height: 45cm Spread: 30cm)

Flirt

Light pink petals with yellow throat

Medium (Height: 35-45cm Spread: 30cm)

Inca Smile

White with creamy pink with yellow blends

Medium (Height: 30-40cm Spread: 30cm)

Blushing Bride

Pale pink heart shaped petals with rose pink speckled throat

Tall (Height: 60-80cm Spread: 30cm)

Friendship

Cream with yellow speckled throat

Tall (Height: 60-120cm Spread: 30cm)

Charm

Lilac and some cream with yellow throat

Tall (Height: 60-80cm Spread: 30cm)

Also, if you’re struggling for words, just use flowers! Flowers really do have a language of their own.

Let the Flowers Speak

Assigning meaning to specific flower types to communicate feelings or desires is known as “floriography”. In fact, during the Victorian times it became not just a craze but one of the main ways people got any “risky” or “taboo” thoughts and feelings across.

Come to think of it - if it wasn’t for flowers, would some of us even be here…?

Floriography dates all the way back to the 1700s in Turkey. However, the Victorian era was a time when this form of communication became really popular. This was after a certain Lady Mary Wortley Montagu visited Turkey, discovering how harem girls sent coded messages to each other using flowers.

What Alstroe have to say

It’s been said that receiving an alstroemeria means you are much beloved, not only romantically but in friendships too.

Alstroemeria generally communicate friendship, love, strength and loyalty. And some say that each of the six petals hold a meaning - understanding, humour, patience, empathy, commitment and respect.

Also, their leaves have been associated with bonding, stability and supportiveness - as if to say “I’m here for you” or “Thank you for being there”.

Certain qualities are also linked with specific colours. For instance, it’s no surprise that happy little yellow blooms shout optimism and joy, while orange bursts with passionate positivity! Then pink whispers romance and playfulness (possible Valentines) and red shouts love and passion (definite Valentines).

We also have purple saying grace and beauty. And if it's love/eternal connection, strength, support and purity you want to communicate, think white (also wonderful for weddings)!

Which one floats your boat?

Winter Gardening – What to do in January

Posted on 12th January 2022 by Bronwynne Britt

The new year and winter is here!

It can be hard to feel enthusiastic about that when it seems the only thing going on outside is wetness and grey.

However, all you avid gardeners out there know that January is actually a fine time to prepare for a busy spring and summer.

Here’s some suggestions:

With Alstroemeria

As perennials, alstroemeria die back in winter. But they need a period of cold weather in order to stimulate shoot growth, so you can rest assured they are busy doing their thing underground.

Here’s how to support your alstroemeria during this period of hibernation so they can spring out the ground when the time is right:

In garden beds

Although the alstroemeria varieties we grow are garden winter hardy (withstanding soil temperatures as cold as -10°C) it is a good idea to mulch new plants well for the first couple of winters while they are establishing. This ensures they are protected until they have grown up enough to stand on their own two feet (or many roots)
It is best to apply a thick layer of leafy or peat-free mulch in Autumn. Composted bark is also a good option. Make sure to keep the mulch about 5cm away from the stem otherwise they may get root rot

In containers

Roots are more vulnerable to low temperatures when in pots than they are growing in the ground so you can move them to a location that is free of frost for the winter, such as a sheltered porch or greenhouse
Alstroemeria have tuberous, fleshy roots so they require sheltering and good drainage. This will prevent the compost getting too soggy with the winter rains which can also cause the dreaded root rot
Water lightly but frequently. The compost should dry out on the surface between watering.

General Gardening

Keep the birds going. Winter can be hard for them as their water sources freeze and food is more scarce so keep those feeders full and leave some of the garden a little untidy (read: wild) so they and other creatures can enjoy a bit of shelter
Compost/re-purpose your Christmas tree
Make a bug hotel and help keep your gardens eco system healthy
Tidy up the shed/greenhouse and sharpen your tools

Get Pruning

Get rid of any dead branches hanging about - plants can get too woody and untidy looking
Shape/reduce branches of trees and shrubs - they can get too big or start growing in the wrong direction. Relieving some weight off the top also helps the roots get stronger
Prune plants like roses and fruit trees as this encourages them to flower/produce fruit more vigorously

Get Transplanting

Prune the plant before and water thoroughly after transplanting – this helps make it less stressful for the plant
After pruning follow the drip line of the plant to know the how far out the roots go which will help you know how big to dig the hole
Be gentle when uprooting by lifting the plant out with the spade without disturbing the soil on the roots
When in its new spot, add some compost and bone meal to the soil and water thoroughly

Well there’s clearly plenty to be done, so we better get going!

Questions About Alstro – Part 2

Posted on 12th November 2021 by Bronwynne Britt

As per our first post on this subject, we continue to answer some of your most pressing questions about alstroemeria.

Are Alstroemeria Annuals or Perennials?

Alstroemeria are tuberous perennials with deep, thick roots and are repeat flowering plants that grow back every year.

They are able to do this even though the stems die over winter as the roots remain healthy, allowing the plant to regenerate the following year.

Which brings us nicely on to the next question:

Are Alstroemeria Hardy Plants?

Alstroemeria are not just perennials, they are considered ‘hardy perennials’.

As long as the roots are established and deep enough (usually around 2 years after planting) alstroemeria are capable of surviving intense frosts – at times down to -50C.

However, we recommend that you mulch them in their first winter.

Do Alstroemeria Spread?

Alstroemeria form in clumps and the roots will proliferate and spread as time goes by. You will never be short of alstroemeria in the garden because of this. One of the many reasons we love them!

To spread the love more evenly you can divide them every two or so years.

What Diseases can Alstroemeria get?

Pythium Root Rot – A fungi that causes weak stems, wilting and stunted growth. It creeps in if the soil is too heavy and sodden for a long time. This can be rectified or prevented by making sure the soil is well-draining. However, once they're infected you’ll need to get rid of all affected plants.

Rhizoctonia Root Rot – Signs of this fungi are wilted leaves and dried stems that don’t get any better with watering. Once again, this is likely due to soil that isn’t draining well.

Botrytis Blight – Also known as ‘grey mould’ for good reason as it appears as furry, grey-brown spores when the weather is humid. It spreads on wet plants, so make sure there's sufficient space between them to help with air circulation. You’ll also want to irrigate them from beneath, concentrating water only on the roots, and remove old or damaged plant debris.

Viruses – If you see lines and/or spots on the leaves, you probably have a case of tomato spotted wilt virus or Hippeastrum mosaic virus on your hands. If so, unfortunately it is terminal and all affected plants will need to be destroyed. Aphids and thrips are responsible for the spread of this killer so you’ll want to try and keep those critters under control.

Do Alstroemeria like being in Pots?

Alstroemeria do very well in pots and the shorter dwarf varieties are particularly suitable.

All our alstroemeria plants are sold in 9cm pots, ready to be potted on into larger pots. They will grow quickly, easily filling a 3-litre pot within 6-8 weeks in growing season.

Some transferring tips:

Mix fertiliser evenly into good, fresh, multipurpose compost
Put some of this mix into the bottom of the new pot and place the well watered plant onto it
Put more compost around it. The compost should finish level with the top of the rootball, 1-2cm below the rim of the new pot (to allow for watering space)
Water fairly lightly from a watering can with a rose
Place in a warm, sunny position to grow on for 6-8 weeks in spring/summer, or over winter, until the roots have reached the bottom of the pot
Water lightly but frequently (the compost should dry out on the surface between watering)

And there you have it!

If you still have questions that are going unanswered, please feel free to let us know on one of our social media platforms.

Alstro in Autumn

Posted on 8th October 2021 by Bronwynne Britt

It’s no coincidence that awesome rhymes with autumn.

But what’s so awesome about autumn?

While we may be tempted to put away all the gardening equipment and wait for the warmer weather, autumn is actually the most favourable season for gardening. Plants enjoy the cooler weather and they’ll still be cosy in their beds as the soil will likely be a bit moist and warm still. Best of all worlds!

Also, if you have alstroemeria in your garden or are thinking of adding some, you will definitely think autumn is awesome because they will still be flowering.

In fact, they’ll keep bursting with blooms right up until September and possibly even November.

Just marvelous!

Alstroemeria as Perennials

Alstroemeria are perennials and therefore repeat flowering plants. That means they die down in the winter and regrow every spring for 3 years or more. This makes them a fabulous foundation in the garden.

If your alstroemeria has been in your garden for a few seasons, you will know that they are hungry plants. They benefit from regular weekly feeds throughout growing season (May to September) with a high potash fertiliser such as our Alstroemeria Feed. This encourages them to carry on their enthusiastic flowering.

As perennials they are:

cold-hardy
not so thirsty and require less water and care after they’re established
low maintenance – needing just a little dead heading (see tugging method here) to keep them neat and growing vigorously
happy in pots and do well in pots and once they outgrow them they’ll do just as well in the garden
loved by pollinators, thus providing a long term service to your garden’s ecosystem (pollinators stick around and multiply where the food source is sustainable and thus consistent)
great companions for food growing - veggie patches and fruit trees do better when surrounded by perennials as they have a better chance of being pollinated

Preparing for winter

Get ready to mulch!

All of the alstroemeria plant varieties we grow are garden winter hardy. However, it is best to mulch the surrounding soil for the first couple of winters while they are establishing. Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm thick. Mulching can be done late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb) and will help them to stay cosy and get through the winter outside.

If you’d like to keep them in their pots outside, you can also lay the pots on their sides once the plants are dormant.

However, if your alstroemeria are still new little sprogs you’ll want to make sure they are protected until they are well established and can get through the winter without any assistance. It is worth keeping your alstroemeria inside in a greenhouse or similar sheltered spot to keep them frost free and to protect them from heavy winter rains.

Remember to give them a good soak every so often, making sure their soil is free draining. Nothing worse than soggy feet...

So now you know what to do, what are you waiting for?

Go on! Get in your garden!

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021

Posted on 14th September 2021 by Bronwynne Britt

This year is the 99^th year of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and it’s going to be an invigorating, inspiring and most welcome distraction!

From 21-26 September you will be able to, once again, savour the show virtually from the comfort of your couch. However, for those up for an outing and some fresh air, you will be able to see, smell, touch all the flowers in all their petally glory!

Hooray! We're excited too!

Although we appreciated the virtual show last year and earlier this year, we must admit, it wasn’t quite the same. After a challenging period of time this is a great opportunity to leave the stress behind us and immerse ourselves in the restorative powers of nature.

That’s why, at this years show, the therapeutic value of having plants around is being celebrated as well as the life and work of nurses and the NHS, with a series of show gardens dedicated to honouring the nursing profession.

An Autumn Show

The shift from May to 21-26 September means a different kind of atmosphere, but Autumn has just as much to offer as Spring. In fact, Autumn is the perfect time for Alstroemeria as their flowering season extends right up until October. Parigo Alstroemeria will be exhibiting again at RHS Chelsea after nearly two decades so keep your eyes peeled for that. You will also see the likes of Salvia, Dahlia and an array of grasses and fruit and vegetables.

You’ll have the chance to bask in show-stopping gardens designed by famous designers and many wonderfully creative floral artworks. There'll be plenty of neat ideas and advice on growing plants in containers, inside and out, as well as gardening on your balcony or in any other small space.

The Chelsea Flower Show is a magnificent melting pot of horticultural specialists, florists, nurseries and designers producing a fabulous explosion of creative expression! This is the place to see what’s trending in the gardening world with products such as gardening tools, sculptures and, of course, plants aplenty.

Some gardens to look out for:

Guide Dog’s 90^th Anniversary Garden - telling the story of when the first guide dogs were trained in the 1930s for blind war veterans and the wonderful work these creatures do, bringing liberation and connection to the blind.

Bodmin Jail: 60° East – A Garden Between Continents - a blend of European and Asian plants brought together by the landscapes of the Ural Mountain creates a refreshing and calming, atmospheric journey

Green Sky Pocket Garden - showing innovative use of smaller outdoor spaces, bringing nature back into the city.

Pop Street Garden – a colourful pop and street art inspired space to hang out and have some post-lockdown fun!

This show is not to be missed!

Even if it should rain, the show must go on! In fact one year when it was a thoroughly rainy show, one of the exhibitors dubbed it ‘The Chelsea Shower Flow’ (more odd facts here).

Due to covid safety precautions, the number of visitors will be less than in previous years so it’s best to book those tickets as soon as possible.

And if you don’t manage to nab a ticket to the show you can still enjoy the festivities by taking a walk through the streets of Chelsea. They’ll be full of all things flower with themed floral activities and displays.

Questions about Alstro – Part 1

Posted on 16th August 2021 by Bronwynne Britt

Can my alstroemeria and my pets be friends?

Are alstroemeria really just little lilies?

Do I need to leave my alstroemeria in my will?

Ok that last one is a bit of a stretch. But that can be true for some flowers! Like peonies!

In this two-part series we’re answering some of the questions you may have about alstroemeria. Perhaps it’s a bit of a mystery plant to you? Are you intrigued by it and want to get to know it better?

Well you’ve come to the right place.

Are Alstroemeria Lilies?

The short answer is no.

The longer answer is that despite their lily-like appearance and being known as Peruvian Lily and Lily of the Incas, alstroemeria are not true lilies. They belong to the Alstroemeriaceae family and grow wild in South America.

Why is my Alstroemeria Dying?

Here are some possibilities:

Slugs and snails are sliding around and can make light work of alstroemeria, especially them young and juicy ones
Tubers may not be planted deeply enough making them vulnerable to winter frost. They need to be planted deeply and mulched over winter
Root rot. Alstro can get a bit claustrophobic if mulched too determinedly. When the mulch is pushed too far down that it’s touching the roots, it can bring on the rot. So be sure to give those roots their personal space (at least 2”)
Too much water and soil that doesn’t drain well – soggy feet are a no-no!
Not enough sun. Lay off the sunscreen (shade) and get those babies tanning!

Why are my Alstroemeria not Flowering?

Too much shade may be the problem. Or the pot they’re in may be too small. As we learnt in the previous point, alstroemeria need their space!

Also, the way you harvest the flowers matters. Yanking rather than cutting encourages more vigorous growth.

Why are my Alstroemeria's Leaves Turning Yellow?

Again, not enough sunlight could be the culprit or even too much water. Otherwise, check your soil’s PH level. It should be no more than 7.

Can Humans Eat Alstroemeria?

At a restaurant and presented with some lovely alstroemeria decorating your meal? Rather keep enjoying them with your eyes and not your mouth. Eating them may lead to stomach upsets for some people.

Can my Pets and my Alstroemeria be Friends?

As established earlier, alstroemeria are not lilies. And while lilies can be dangerous for your furry friends, alstroemeria are very friendly. There’s a chance they may get a bit of an upset tummy from eating them but if you need to leave Fluffy and Felix alone with your alstro, rest assured they’ll all be just fine.

Do Deers like Eating Alstroemeria?

Deers love lilies. But now that we know alstroemeria are not true lilies you can be sure they'll be safe around these dear creatures.

We hope this helped clear up at least some of the mysteries - knowledge is power!

And keep your eyes peeled for part 2 coming soon...