Alstroemeria Incalys Salmon

Alstroemeria Incalys Salmon is a compact and floriferous Peruvian Lily, prized for its large salmon-pink flowers delicately tinged with orange at the throat, which bloom from May to October. With a dense, low habit, it forms a regular clump ideal for borders, colourful flower beds, or containers. Hardy down to –10°C or even a little more, it is easy to grow in any reasonably sheltered garden, in a sunny or partially shaded position. It appreciates rich, well-drained but moist soil, and tolerates humidity better than older varieties, provided waterlogging is avoided in winter. It is an elegant perennial with continuous flowering and is easy to combine in any summer display.

Alstroemeria Incalys Salmon belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family, from the Incalys series, developed over several years by Ernest and Pierre Turc in Angers. It is a cultivar, sometimes designated as 'Turcal139', selected for its more generous and more resilient flowers than the botanical form originating from the Andes (Chile/Argentina). This strain is distinguished in particular by increased hardiness (down to –12 °C, and even –20 °C occasionally in North American trials), a compact habit, and an ability to thrive in containers or contemporary beds. The plant forms a dense clump approximately 30 cm in height and 50 cm in width, both in the ground and in pots. Its growth is medium, ensuring several sturdy flower stems from the first season, bearing clusters of 5 to 10 funnel-shaped flowers, each measuring 5–7 cm in diameter, in salmon hues tinged with orange towards the centre. The foliage is deciduous, composed of lanceolate, 10–15 cm long, dark green, glossy leaves which slightly curl before disappearing in winter. The long, straight stems ensure an upright and stable habit. The root system is tuberous, formed of fragile tubers and shallow roots, without rhizomes, which prevents any invasive spread but requires loose, well-drained soil to prevent winter rot. The flowering, from May to October in temperate climates, offers unscented but very decorative flowers, attracting pollinators and prolonged if spent flowers are regularly removed.

In the garden, Alstroemeria Incalys Salmon brings a soft orange glow. Its long and regular flowering pairs well with the soft textures of a Gaura ‘Whirling Butterflies’, the vertical lines of Pennisetum ‘Karley Rose’ or the silvery simplicity of Artemisia ‘Valerie Finnis’. In a sunny border or a warm-toned flower bed, it connects other blooms through its constancy.