Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’

Description

Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ is a stunning perennial that brings vibrant colour and exotic beauty to any garden. This compact plant, reaching heights of 15-25 cm, is perfect for borders and containers. Follow this comprehensive planting guide to ensure your Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ flourishes.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This timing allows the roots to establish before the blooming season, leading to a robust plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant your Alstroemeria in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle before entering dormancy, promoting healthier growth in the spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ thrives in full sun to part shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering.
• Soil: Ensure you select well-drained soil for your Alstroemeria. This plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so improving drainage is crucial. Incorporate organic matter such as compost to enhance soil quality.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of the plant. This space allows the roots to spread comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ benefits from nutrient-rich soil, promoting vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole and firm the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ is relatively drought-tolerant. Water moderately during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions. Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to root issues.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Alstroemeria requires minimal moisture during this period.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give your Alstroemeria a strong start for the growing season. This supports healthy new growth and vibrant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can encourage continued flowering and maintain the vigour of Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ throughout the blooming period.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ by removing spent flowers. This practice prolongs the blooming period, keeps the plant tidy, and encourages new flower production.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded in autumn, cut back your Alstroemeria to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and promotes healthier growth in the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Alstroemeria in spring to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like bark chips or compost for best results.
• Winter: In winter, adding mulch around the plant helps protect the roots from cold temperatures and prevents frost heaving, ensuring the plant survives until the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ typically has sturdy stems and a compact growth habit, so staking is rarely necessary. However, consider staking in particularly windy areas to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Alstroemeria ‘Little Miss Tara’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds vibrant colour and charm to any garden. By planting it in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight and following this care routine, your Alstroemeria will reward you with continuous blooms from June to November. Incorporate this stunning plant into your garden borders or containers to enjoy its beautiful orange-pink flowers and bright yellow throats throughout the season!

 

RHS Details

See more Alstroemeria from Proctors