Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 (some say 7-10) where it is best grown in organically rich, loose, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Appreciates some early afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Best with consistent and even moisture, particularly if year round flower production is sought. Taller flowering stems may need staking. Plants will survive winter temperatures to 15-20°F (perhaps slightly lower if sited in protected locations and mulched). In cold winter climates, dig tubers in fall and store in damp potting soil in a cool dark place, but it should be noted that the roots are very brittle and difficult to dig. If plants are grown in containers, bring them indoors and place in a sunny window with consistent but modest watering.
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus Alstroemeria contains about 50 species, all of which are native to South America (mostly in Brazil for summer growing plants and in Chile for winter growing plants). They are known by a number of different common names including Peruvian lily and lily of the Incas.
Hybrid strains of Alstroemeria have become extremely popular commercial cut flowers (profuse flowering, stiff flowering stems, flower stems look good in a vase and flowers last for two weeks), and are available in a wide range of flower colors including orange, yellow, red, pink, purple, lavender, salmon and white, often with distinctive flecks, streaks and other markings.
Genus name honors Swedish botanist Klaus von Alstroemer (1736-1794) who was a student and friend of Carolus Linnaeus.
'Sweet Laura' has fragrant yellow flowers, strong upright stems, vigorous growth and cold hardiness (USDA Zone 5). It is a patented plant that is the result of a controlled cross taken between Alstroemeria aurea (seed parent) and Alstroemeria caryophyllaea (pollen parent). Small, funnel-shaped, lily-like flowers borne singly in umbel-like cymes, bloom continuously throughout much of the growing season (late spring to late summer) atop strong, slender, upright floral stems rising to 24-30" tall. Each flower (to 1.5-2" across) has six yellow tepals which are irregularly brushed with orange-red tinting (tinting on the three inner tepals is either absent or limited to the tips). Glabrous, elongated-elliptic, dark green leaves grow to 4” long. U.S. Plant Patent PP10,030 was issued on September 16, 1997.
Problems
Slugs and snails may attack the foliage. Watch for spider mites.
Uses
Borders. Cottage gardens. Cut flower garden. Hybrid strains of Alstroemeria have become extremely popular commercial cut flowers.