Alstroemeria Mauve Majesty

New from the breeding program of Dr. Mark Bridgen at Cornell University is a second Alstroemeria with hardiness built right in. Plants are neat and upright in habit and produce an abundance of speckled, mauve flowers (even more than ‘Sweet Laura’). Bloom starts in late June in Zone 5 and continues until frost. Excellent for cutting, as stems last for up to two weeks in arrangements.

Alstroemeria is a genus of some 50 species of herbaceous perennials. Until recently, however, their performance in the garden had fallen well short of their value in a bouquet. They thrive in fertile, well-drained garden soil in full sun or partial shade, so long as their roots are kept cool. Good soil drainage is especially important to assure survival during the winter in colder climates.