Saturday, April 18, 2009

Alstromeria

Alstromeria are favorites among florist and for good reason. They last for weeks when cut and have nice long stems. The flowers look like an azalea and come in a variety of colors. They do need regular water to perform well. The unique thing about this perennial is that instead of cutting the stems, either when gathering them for bouquets or deadheading, they should be given a sharp tug which will break them off at the base and encourage new flowering shoots. In our area they start blooming in early spring and go on and on for months.

7 comments:

Heather said...

Those are so pretty! I always thought they were Fresias when used in flower arrangements. See how much I know. I have always liked them though, now I know what to call them.
Heather

Jennifer AKA keewee said...

I planted one of these last year, I will wait to see if it survived our severe winter, I hope it did.

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Oh those are my moms favorite flowers. She loves them and always buys a bouquet at the store when she goes. I have tried to grow them here but they never make it.

Nikki said...

Lovely color...I haven't seen such a nice purple in my nurseries. Really love reading your blog. What a blessing to have so much space to plant so many wonderful things in!

"Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germane said...

Nice color! Helpful information too!

Kathleen said...

That's amazing Sheila ~ I've only ever seen these in bouquets, not growing in a garden!

Megan said...

I had no idea about the trick of tugging the flower stems off. What a funny quirk. Now I want to plant one just to try it.