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Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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Posted by denninmi 6A SE Michigan (My Page) on Tue, Oct 27, 09 at 9:55
| Just wondered if anyone is growing Alstroemeria in the northern zones, like 5 or 6?
I fell in love with this flower when I used to work as a florist. When it started becoming available as a plant, I just had to have some.
I've got about 10 colors now. Most of the varieties are theoretically hardy to Zone 7, but a couple like 'Sweet Laura' are rated Zone 5 or 6, depending upon the source.
Anyway, I've never had any problems overwintering them here in Michigan. I trim the stalks to the ground after frost, cover each clump with a piece of styrofoam recycled from packaging every fall, then pile high with leaves. I remove all of this in mid-April. I've never lost them to the cold, although I did have voles get into them a few times and damage, but never totally destroy, them.
They bloom beautifully most of the summer, often from June until frost, especially if deadheaded, watered, and fertilized. And, they're pretty trouble-free.
I just wondered if anyone else is growing these as a perennial?
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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| Yes of course they grow like weeds here, as do most south African plants. I am glad you are doing well in your zone and your posting should encourage more gardeners to give them a try. Al |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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| I tried once, but not very hard, and it didn't thrive. I've heard that one of the keys to overwintering, is to plant them relatively deeply. |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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| LOL!! They will plant themselves deeply! If you've ever tried to get rid of the buggers - and I think Al will bear me out on this one - you'll soon discover that those fleshy little root organs can work their way down a good 12-16 inches into the soil, which is far deeper than most perennial roots will penetrate. And every single one of them, or even parts of them, will produce a new plant. Once established in a situation or zone they are happy with, they are virtually impossible to get rid of or even transplant completely. It doesn't surprise me at all that hardiness may be increased with deep planting........and very good drainage as well. I love them - they are gorgeous plants and make excellent cut flowers - but where they are fully hardy, they can be an incredible pest. |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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| I've tried growing them from seed the last two years with no luck. I may try to see if I can find plants instead. However, I already have plans to keep them in pots, because of the stories I've heard of their aggressivenes. I still have a few seeds left, so I'll probably give it one last try and then look for plants in the spring. Dee |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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| I grew them once because I love the scent too. They didn't come back the following year. :-( |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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They grow here. I have had success with 'Sweet Laura' and 'Mauve Majesty'. Masuve Majesty was planted last summer, and bloomed this year about July. It was trying to rebloom, but frost nipped it in bud.
No special planting and no mulch. I think they'd be happier here with better drainage. |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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| nina and denn, you HOT TICKETS you!!!!!this is such exciting news. i am truly amazed that nina doesn't mulch in z.4; denn, maybe you want to try the not- mulching technique on a small plant next yr.? as for me, i'm defintely gonna try them. Along w/ some mum varieties, alstros seem to keep their flowers longer than any other cut flowers.have you noticed that? if any of you have preferred vendors for them, plse let me know. th you. best,
mindy |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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| I do have consistent snow cover. I think mulching is one of the best ideas since sliced bread, but I never seem to have enough mulch or enough time. |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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ah yes, i always forget about that Consistent Snow Cover concept. It's such an important one but my brain just won't go there for some reason. Maybe if i repeat it over and over like a mantra, it will seep into the density...
Another mulch alternative is an upside down peach basket over the plant, removed in spring.
best,
mindy |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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Well, Mindy, what is a concept for you is a way of life for me. Funny to think of, isn't it?
But it means that I can play with plants that are way out of zone.
Crocosmia is exceptionally vigorous here - so much so that I sometimes wonder if we are unleashing the next invasive plant. But I think the garden's great triumph is agapanthus. It overwinters and blooms beautifully. |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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WOW nina, that is sooo coool!!!!! so maybe this yr i'll plant my pot of agap. and put styrofoam, and leaf mulch to bury.
mindy |
RE: Anyone else growing Alstroemeria in the North?
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| I've picked up most of my alstro's at mass merchandisers like Lowe's, and a couple even at grocery stores, around the spring holidays, particularly Mothers Day, when they sell them as blooming potted plants. When I see a color I don't have, I buy it. I also have the dwarf agapanthus. It has proven completely hardy here for me, and has the nicest dark blue blooms in July. Another plant not in its zone but which has come back long-term and bloomed for me is Crinum. |
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