The Alstroemeria or Princess Lilies

[AJE]

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

[AJE]

Hi, I found a greenhouse which cultivates their own plants. :!:

I'm going to start a list... This weekend I picked up 4 new colors which I didn't have before...

FYI :wink:

Koeune's Greenhouse & Garden
2015 County Rd II
Neenah, WI 54956
(920) 729-1012

There isn't a web page for this family run buisness...Sorry.

[Crys]

If they have a website you should add it to the directory

[AJE]

My parants and I visited this Greenhouse last year on our way from Madison, their plants are excellent. Next trip to see my Grandmother I'm going to have to stop again. :wink:

Americas Best Flowers
4311 Vilas Hope Rd.
Cottage Grove WI. 53527

(608) 222-2269

http://www.americasbestflowers.com/home.html

ALSTROEMERIA (Princess Lilies) - 1st Pltg
Anouska, purple
Julietta, wine & white bi-color
Isaballa, orange
Ivana, dp pink
Oxana, dp rose
Zavina, coral
Zsa Zsa, lt pink

[AJE]

Whatever your plant needs or desires, we would love to be help you! Visit us for wonderful plants, unique garden decor, educational events and family fun! Ebert's Greenhouse Village... Where the Magic begins!

Ebert's Greenhouse Village
W1795 Fox Road
Ixonia, WI 53036

http://www.ebertsgreenhouse.com
(920) 261-5645

Lilies Include:
:arrow: Princess Lily Daniela Yellow
:arrow: Princess Lily Julietta
:arrow: Princess Lily Paola Peach
:arrow: Princess Lily Stephanie lt. Pink
:arrow: Princess Lily ZsaZsa

Directions:

From Watertown
Take Hwy. 16 east 5 miles to Hwy. SC, left on Hwy SC and go 2 miles to Fox Road. Follow the signs.

From Oconomowoc
Take Hwy.16 west 6 miles to Hwy. SC, right on Hwy SC and go 2 miles to Fox Road. Follow the signs.

[AJE]

Cultural information for alstroemeria

Planting Depth:
Clumps should be planted no deeper than 1-2 inches below the soil surface and spaced about 3' apart; this is not a critical distance.

Soil:
a light, well-aerated mix. Rhizomes are susceptible to fungal rot if they sit in soggy soil. The soil should be kept moist but not soaked until sprouts appear. Sprouts should appear in 2 weeks, depending on temperature of soil. Roots are usually well-formed about a month after planting and continue to expand into the parent soil for a year. As the rhizomes grow and branch, the original pieces die (no need to remove).
Irrigation. Water the plants as frequently as you would an aster, chrysanthemum or tomato. They benefit from watering to replace water lost, but the soil must be well-drained and porous.

Sun:
Full sun or filtered sun, as under a birch tree, is satisfactory, and morning sun only works, too. Mid-day and afternoon shade in July and August encourages prolonged flowering and deeper pigmentation. Protect clumps from afternoon sun in warm climates

Fertilization:
This is not critical for success. We find that alstroemeria is not a heavy feeder.

Note: In cold climates, Zone 6 and below, make sure that you provide winter protection to keep the ground from freezing. If using large containers you will have to put them indoors before the first sub-28 F freeze and keep them dry for the winter.

Please contact Flowers & Greens,
http://buy-alstroemeria.com
if you have problems.

Roy Sachs
Flowers & Greens Nursery CA.

[AJE]

Wintering Over of the Princess Lilies

Some tender perennials can’t winter in our extreme zones of Wisconsin, but with a little extra attention, they can survive for many years for our enjoyment. These sensitive perennials are those plants that need to be dug from the soil in the fall and wintered over in a frost-free location. Most well known examples are the gladioli, canna lily, dahlias, and begonias. Luckily we don't have to keep the entire plant, only the bulb, corm, or tuber which get stored. New growth occurs from these structures after replanting next spring.

Survival of these perennials requires more attention than simply digging the particular storage organ (root) and putting it in a box in the basement. Specific storage conditions must be met to successfully store the plants through the winter.

:arrow: Dig the perennials just before or soon after a killing frost. If left until after a frost, the foliage will be killed and the storage organ will need to be dug within a few days to prevent rot-causing organisms from entering through the damaged stem.

:arrow: To store these precious plants over the winter, trim back the foliage of the plant to within a few inches after the first light frost. Please make sure to dig carefully to avoid injury onto the plant. With some soil attached, pack the roots between 2 and 3 inch layers of vermiculite (perlite), peat moss, sawdust, or wood shavings. All Alstroemeria or Princess Lilies need to be stored between 35 to 45 degrees in cool, but dry locations. Make sure to check frequently for indication of rot and remove those rhizome tubers that are unhealthy.

:arrow: It is important to leave the tubers intact until spring for a better chance of survival through the winter storage. Remember any injury incurred prior to storage will increase the chances for rot to occur. In the spring cut the rhizomes or tubers apart making sure at least one or two dormant buds are present on each section. Share the extras with relatives, neighbors, and friends I’m sure they will adore the gift.

A major problem that homeowners have with storing these perennials is finding a suitable location with the correct temperature. Many of us no longer have unheated basements or an extra bedroom in which to store the tender perennials adequately. Normal interior home and apartment temperatures are too warm. Likewise most garages, even though attached, will be too cold for survival. I look forward to my Princess Lilies every year, some I will winter in my apartment as a whole plant but others I’m taking to a garage which has stored gladioli well in the past for years, its going to be my shot. Please feel free to add any comments or suggestions :!: