Alstroemeria 'Sirius' (Planet Series)
Peruvian lily
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: slow to average
- Flowering period: June to July
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Soft pink flowers with a gold throat and brownish-red freckles appear in profusion from early summer, creating an exotic feel to ther border. An easy to mix colour, 'Sirius' looks beautiful when planted in sizeable clumps, and as it makes such a good cut flower, it is worth planting more than you need.
Newly planted Alstroemerias should be given a very generous 20cm (8") deep mulch of chipped bark in their first winter to help the plants become established. In subsequent autumns, provide a dry mulch of bracken or bark chippings to help protect the crowns. After flowering cut back the faded flower-stems, but make sure you always wear gloves when working with Peruvian lilies, as contact with the foliage may cause skin irritation.
- Humans: Skin allergen