The Alstroemeria or Princess Lilies
Princess Lily is a series of plants belonging to the Alstroemeria Family. They are the result of development from genetically modified varieties of Alstroemeria originating from the slopes of South America. I’ve seen them in both cut and potted varieties here in Wisconsin but FYI they are a perennial down south. Most common colors are in the pinks, rose, red and lavender shades but they come in a lot more varieties. They bloom almost all the time and are easy to grow in any sunny spot but they demand a lot of water. The Lilies’ made their introduction in 2001 due to their spectacular & long lasting flowering buds.
One reason for planting Alstroemerias in your garden is because then you can make great easy flowers arrangements. You can use almost any garden flower with your cut alstroemerias.
Another use is they are great garden plants and look smashing in the front with mixed borders or any sunny spot (SOUTH ONLY). Once the plants start to show signs of growth in the spring, add fertilizer to help boost energies into flowers more quickly. The plants grow at their best if they are in full sun or half shade. Princess Lilies need only minimal maintenance. Dead flowers are not infectious and need not be removed. The Princess Lilies can bear some frost but are not guaranteed to handle our hardy winter zone.
The last use is container or tub planting. Plant the Alstroemerias in a roomy pot so that there is plenty of space for the rhizomes. Just one happy plant will fill a container with color from May till October. If soil temperatures are too high, flowering will be inhibited. Thus, keep the soil moist. It is important to feed the plants regularly, as their rhizomes need plenty of food. Don’t forget plants in containers need regular watering. Once settled in their environment the Alstroemeria will flower profusely. The more you pick, by simply pulling the stem out of the ground, the more the flowers reproduce. When the season of frost is eminent they should relocated to winter inside a greenhouse or your home. The indoor plants will thrive best in a light, cool spot within your home during our winter. This can be on a windowsill but not in full sun or above a radiator.
So go on and enjoy your own Princess Lily! :wink:
:arrow: :arrow: :arrow: PS I'm always on the lookout for retail or wholesale nurseries which carry these plants, if you come across any give me a PM or post it. Also if you would like to add any information about this gorgous flower here is your chance
