Alstroemeria Summer Snow

The Inca Lily or Alstroemeria 'Summer Snow' is the latest in a line of recent hybrids called Summer Paradise, which are distinguished by their resistance to cold. These plants, capable of surviving occasional frosts of around -15°C (5°F), are particularly well adapted to cultivation in open ground, under most of our climates. This alstroemeria is also very floriferous, resulting in numerous elegant and delicately bicoloured flowers in ivory white and cream yellow. They are produced throughout the summer, enhanced by beautiful bright green foliage.

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

'Summer Snow' surprises with its hardiness. The plant quickly forms clumps of robust leafy stems that can reach 70 cm (28in) in height when in bloom, with a spread of 50 cm (20in). The flowers appear from June to October-November. The open flowers are gathered in terminal inflorescences. They consist of 3 small central petals, tinged with pale yellow and lightly streaked with brown, surrounded by 3 larger, almost white petals. Each plant can produce at least 30 flowers. The foliage is arranged along almost the entire length of the stems. The glossy leaves of this variety are a vibrant green. Foliage and stems disappear in winter, leaving only the trailing stump with fleshy roots underground. This plant is sensitive to the shock of transplantation, especially in older plants.

Alstroemeria 'Summer Snow' is a superb variety for the garden and cut flower bouquets. This exceptional perennial, when mature, creates a magnificent spectacle in borders or on a partially shaded slope. This plant will also pair well, for example, with other varieties from the Summer Paradise series (Summer Break, Indian Summer...), with red, blue or white shrubby salvias.  It also works well with grasses; Stipa, small Miscanthus or Muhlenbergia capillaris will accompany its autumn flowers with their foliage and magnificent late-season blooms. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, with their intensely blue flowers and red foliage in October, can also be planted alongside this Alstroemeria.  Container cultivation is also possible.