Alstroemeria ‘Compact Lola’

Description

Alstroemeria ‘Compact Lola’ is a stunning perennial, prized for its long-lasting, exotic-looking flowers that add a vibrant touch to gardens and containers. With its compact growth habit, this variety is perfect for borders, pots, and as a cut flower. Follow this comprehensive guide to successfully grow and maintain your Alstroemeria ‘Compact Lola’ for a season full of breathtaking blooms.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Alstroemeria ‘Compact Lola’ is in early spring when the soil begins to warm. This encourages strong root establishment before the growing season.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn allows the roots to develop before dormancy, ensuring vigorous growth the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Alstroemeria ‘Compact Lola’ thrives best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. Adding organic matter like compost improves both fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix in compost or organic matter to enrich the soil.
3. Planting: Position Alstroemeria ‘Compact Lola’ in the hole, keeping the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help settle the soil and encourage root development.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering to prevent root issues.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly during dormancy. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding can help sustain blooming and overall plant vigour.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering, cut back the stems of your Alstroemeria ‘Compact Lola’ to ground level to prepare the plant for dormancy.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Winter: Mulching helps protect the roots from cold temperatures and frost.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Generally, Alstroemeria ‘Compact Lola’ has sturdy stems, but in particularly windy locations, consider staking for added support.

Final Tips

Alstroemeria ‘Compact Lola’ is a low-maintenance yet rewarding plant that provides continuous blooms throughout the growing season. By ensuring it receives the right balance of sunlight, well-draining soil, and proper care, you’ll enjoy vibrant flowers from late spring until the first frosts. Perfect for garden beds, patios, and floral arrangements, Alstroemeria ‘Compact Lola’ is a must-have for any garden enthusiast.