Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Summer Red

The Inca Lily or Alstroemeria 'Summer Red' is the latest in a line of recent hybrids called Summer Paradise, which are known for their resistance to cold. These plants, able to withstand occasional frosts of around -15°C, are particularly well adapted to growing in the ground, in most climates. This alstroemeria also produces many blooms, with elegant flowers in deep red-pink, delicately enhanced with fading yellow and purple-streaked white in the throat. They are produced profusely throughout the summer, beautifully complemented by dark green foliage.

The Alstroemeria 'Summer Red' is a very recent Dutch variety, resulting from the hybridization of several tuberous species native to South America, especially the Chilean Andes. These high-altitude plants belonging to the Alstroemeriaceae family are more or less hardy, appreciate moist, well-drained soils, in lightly wooded and cool areas. Slow to establish, they can disappear or... become invasive! Quirky and fantastic plants, very sensitive to growing conditions, they are "indestructible" once you have found the right spot for them.

'Summer Red' surprises with its hardiness. The plant quickly forms clumps of sturdy leafy stems that can reach 70 cm (28in) in height when flowering, with a spread of 50 cm. The flowering period is from June to October-November. The open flowers are gathered in terminal umbels. They consist of 3 small central petals in red-pink, with a centre that transitions from yellow to white, streaked with brown, surrounded by 3 larger petals in the same red-pink. Each plant can produce at least 30 flowers. The foliage is arranged along most of the stem's length. The leaves of this variety are an elegant dark green shade. The foliage and stems disappear in winter, leaving only the trailing stump with fleshy roots underground. This stump is sensitive to transplant shock, especially in older plants.

Alstroemeria 'Summer Red' is a superb variety for the garden. This exceptional perennial, when mature, creates a magnificent spectacle in flower beds or on a partially shaded slope. For example, it pairs well with other varieties in the Summer Paradise series (Summer Break, Indian Summer, etc.), with red, blue, or white shrub salvias or grasses that complement it. Stipa, small Miscanthus, or Muhlenbergia capillaris will accompany its autumn flowering with their foliage and magnificent late-season blooms. You can also plant Ceratostigma plumbaginoides next to it, with intensely blue flowers and red foliage in October. A marvel! It can also be grown in pots.