Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’

Description

Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ is a stunning compact variety known for its vibrant blooms and extended flowering period. Ideal for borders, containers, or as a cut flower, this beautiful perennial will add elegance to any garden. To ensure Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ thrives in your garden, follow this comprehensive planting and care guide.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Time to Plant

• Spring: Plant Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ in early spring when the soil begins to warm up. This timing allows the roots to establish before the growing season, ensuring healthy growth and a longer flowering period.
• Autumn: You can also plant Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle before winter, resulting in a stronger bloom the following year.

Ideal Location

• Sunlight: Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ thrives in a sunny location. Ensure the planting site gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for the best flower production.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so amend the soil with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and fertility.

How to Plant

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. This will give the roots plenty of room to spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Incorporate compost or other organic matter into the soil to ensure good drainage and add nutrients. Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ prefers nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming the soil to eliminate air pockets.
4. Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the plant well to settle the soil around the roots. Make sure the soil drains well to avoid root rot.

Watering

• Growing Season: Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ prefers regular watering but can tolerate short dry spells once established. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes very dry, as the plant requires minimal moisture during this period.

Feeding

• Early Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to give Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ a strong start to the growing season.
• Mid-Summer: A second feeding in mid-summer can encourage prolonged blooming and ensure the plant remains vigorous.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season and keep the plant looking tidy.
• Autumn Pruning: In late autumn, cut back Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ to ground level after the final blooms fade. This will prepare the plant for winter and promote healthy growth in the following year.

Mulching

• Spring Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as compost or bark, around the base of Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ in spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter Mulching: In colder months, add an extra layer of mulch to protect the roots from freezing temperatures, ensuring the plant survives through to the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ generally has strong, upright stems that rarely require staking. However, if your garden is particularly windy, consider using stakes to support the plant and prevent damage.

Final Tips

Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ is a low-maintenance perennial that rewards you with beautiful, long-lasting blooms from early summer through to autumn. By planting it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and following a consistent care routine, this plant will flourish year after year. Incorporate this Alstroemeria into your garden borders or containers for vibrant colours that attract pollinators and enhance your garden’s beauty.

With these tips, Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Davina’ will thrive, providing stunning floral displays that elevate the charm of any outdoor space.

 

RHS Details

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