Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Collection ‘Valley River’

Description

Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Collection ‘Valley River’ is a stunning addition to any garden, showcasing exotic deep-pink blooms with soft-yellow throats and dark flecks. This guide will help you successfully plant and care for your Alstroemeria, ensuring vibrant flowers and robust growth.

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Collection ‘Valley River’ is in the spring, as the soil begins to warm. This allows the roots to establish firmly before the blooming season.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant your Alstroemeria in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle before entering dormancy, promoting better growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Alstroemeria thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
• Soil: Ensure you select well-drained soil for your Alstroemeria. This plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so it is crucial to have proper drainage. Mixing in organic matter like compost can help improve soil quality.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: When planting your Alstroemeria, dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This will allow the roots to spread comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Enhance the soil by mixing compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Collection ‘Valley River’ benefits from nutrient-rich soil, which promotes healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water your Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Collection ‘Valley River’ thoroughly after planting. This helps to settle the soil and encourages the roots to establish. Make sure the area drains well to avoid waterlogged conditions.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Collection ‘Valley River’ is moderately drought-tolerant. Water it during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, significantly reduce watering. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Alstroemeria requires minimal moisture at this time.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Collection ‘Valley River’ a strong start. This supports healthy new growth and enhances flower production.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can encourage continued flowering and ensure that Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Collection ‘Valley River’ maintains its vigour throughout the blooming season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead your Alstroemeria 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 the plant 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 moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like bark chips or compost for optimal results.
• Winter: In winter, adding mulch around the plant helps protect the roots from cold temperatures and prevents frost heaving.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Collection ‘Valley River’ typically has sturdy stems and a compact growth habit, so staking is rarely necessary. However, in particularly windy locations, consider staking to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Collection ‘Valley River’ is a low-maintenance perennial that will reward you with beautiful blooms from late spring until the first frosts. By planting it in well-drained soil and following this care routine, your Alstroemeria will thrive, adding vibrant colour to your garden and being perfect for picking due to its exceptional vase life. Enjoy the stunning deep-pink blooms and variegated foliage of this delightful plant!

RHS Details

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