Alstroemeria 'Glory of the Andes'

Common Name: lily of the Incas 
Type: Bulb
Family: Alstroemeriaceae
Zone: 7 to 10
Height: 2.75 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Gold with red edges
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Leaf: Colorful

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.

'Glory of the Andes' is a relatively hardy selection. Some sources claim hardiness to Zone 6, but would require a protected site and plenty of winter mulch.

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.

'Glory of the Andes' features golden yellow flowers with dark red petal edges and variegated foliage. It is a sport of the cultivar 'Sweet Laura'. When in flower, plants will reach up to 3' tall with a 2' spread.

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.