Bring Vibrant Warmth to Your Borders with Alstroemeria Indian Summer

Peruvian lily Indian summer, lily of the Incas, Alstroemeria Tesronto

If you’re looking to add gloriously colourful blooms to your garden that flower continuously and thrive with little fuss, Alstroemeria Indian Summer from the Summer Paradise series is a brilliant choice. This vibrant perennial features eye-catching orange and yellow flowers atop bronze-flushed foliage, making it ideal for hot-themed borders or stylish patio containers.

Alstroemeria Indian Summer is a compact, clump-forming perennial in the Summer Paradise series, bred for garden performance and long flowering. Known for its continuous blooms, this plant offers orange and yellow flowers from early summer to autumn.

Part of the Alstroemeriaceae family, it’s commonly referred to as Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas. This variety is protected under PBR (Plant Breeders’ Rights), so propagation without permission is restricted.

Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Full sun encourages the most prolific flowering, although it will tolerate some light afternoon shade.

This plant is ideal for a hot-themed border, raised bed, or large container. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, rudbeckias, and salvias for a long-lasting display.

Yes, this plant thrives in pots. Choose a deep container with good drainage holes. Fill with John Innes No.3 and a handful of grit for added drainage.

Place your pot in a full sun position and water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Alstroemerias dislike sitting in wet soil, especially in winter.

Keep the soil moist during dry spells and remove spent blooms to encourage the growth of more flowers. For lush growth, feed fortnightly during the flowering season with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

Support taller stems with unobtrusive supports if needed. In colder areas, apply a winter mulch to protect the roots, especially for newly planted alstroemerias.

Yes, it’s hardy in most UK gardens, tolerating temperatures down to around -10°C (14°F) if grown in well-drained soils. However, plants in pots will need winter protection or moving to a sheltered location.

In exposed spots, provide shelter with fleece or cloches during harsh winters. Plants left undisturbed will become more robust over time.

This variety will flower continuously from early summer through to the first autumn frosts. To extend the display, remove fading blooms and cut back stems after flowering.

It’s best to stop in August if planning to divide or move the plant in subsequent autumns. Allow the perennial to die back naturally as colder weather arrives.

Due to PBR protection, commercial propagation isn’t allowed. However, you can divide mature clumps in autumn if you’re keeping them for personal use.

Use a sharp spade to split the clump, replant divisions in fresh, fertile soil, and water well. Wear gloves when handling roots, as they can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Yes—it’s one of the best for cutting. Pick stems early in the morning once the flowers are half open. Their long vase life and vivid colours make them a florist favourite.

Always pull, rather than cut, the stem at the base. This encourages new shoots and improves the plant’s overall performance in the garden.

You can buy Peruvian lily, Alstroemeria, from specialist nurseries and online garden retailers. Choose plug plants in spring for the best start.

Look for healthy growth and avoid plug trays with signs of stress or poor drainage. Reputable sellers often offer plants as part of the Summer Paradise series.

There’s something undeniably uplifting about the fiery tones of Alstroemeria Indian Summer. I grow it in a large terracotta pot by the greenhouse, where it catches the afternoon sun and just glows. It’s one of those plants that earns its keep, flowering relentlessly and needing little more than regular water and a fortnightly feed. I particularly rate it for its cutting capabilities; a few stems in a jug on the kitchen table brighten up the space. If you’re after a reliable perennial that performs beautifully from June right through to the first frost, this one’s hard to beat. Just remember to give it a bit of winter protection in colder areas, especially in pots, and it’ll reward you year after year.

• Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil
• Use John Innes No.3 for pots and containers
• Water to keep the soil moist, but avoid soggy conditions
• Apply mulch of chipped bark to retain moisture and protect roots
• Flowers continuously from summer to autumn
• Cut back spent stems to encourage reblooming
• Excellent plant for cut flowers and mixed borders
• Protect from frost in colder regions with fleece or dry mulch
• Suitable for container gardening on a sunny patio
• Part of the PBR protected Summer Paradise breeding line
• Always wear gloves when dividing or handling roots

Alstroemeria Indian Summer performs best in full sun or partial shade, in fertile, well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter. It is hardy to about –10°C (14°F), reaching 70–90 cm (28–35 in) tall in 5–10 years, and blooms prolifically from early summer to late autumn. It displays bold, colourful flowers above lush green foliage, thrives on regular mulch and moisture, and benefits from shelter and winter protection in colder UK areas. Perfect for borders, containers, and as a showy, long-lasting cut flower.

Want to learn about other perennial varieties? Read about Heuchera Pools of Purple here.

For more information on perennials for your garden, please click here.

Q: What is Alstroemeria Indian Summer, and what makes it special in the Summer Paradise series?

A: Alstroemeria Indian Summer is a striking perennial from the Summer Paradise series, known for its gloriously colourful blooms in burnt orange and yellow tones. This variety features lance-shaped, bronze-flushed foliage that adds year-round interest to gardens and patios. Hardy and long-flowering, it thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun or partial shade. The vibrant flowers make it a standout in hot-themed borders and are excellent for cutting, offering long-lasting stems ideal for vase displays. Its continuous summer bloom and elegant foliage make it a highly prized addition to any garden.

Q: How should I grow and care for Alstroemeria Indian Summer in my garden?

A: To grow Alstroemeria Indian Summer successfully, plant it in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter such as John Innes No.3 compost. It prefers full sun or partial shade and benefits from a sheltered position to protect its stems from harsh sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging. Apply a dry mulch of chipped bark to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Feed regularly during the growing season to encourage continuous bloom. Newly planted alstroemerias should be left undisturbed for optimal results and cut back after flowering. Stop feeding by August to allow the perennial to prepare for dormancy.

Q: Can Alstroemeria Indian Summer be grown in containers or pots?

A: Yes, Alstroemeria Indian Summer adapts well to containers or pots, making it perfect for patios and balconies. Use a large pot filled with fertile, well-drained compost, such as John Innes No. 3. Position the pot in full sun or partial shade to encourage vibrant blooms and healthy foliage. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Feed with a balanced plant food during the growing season. Container-grown plants may need additional shelter in colder months, but they reward gardeners with a continuous display of bright, hot-toned flowers throughout summer.

Q: When is the best time to plant Alstroemeria Indian Summer, and how deep should the plugs be planted?

A: The best time to plant Alstroemeria Indian Summer is during spring or early autumn when soil conditions are warm and moist. Plant plugs in fertile, well-drained soil at a depth of approximately 10-15 cm to ensure good root development. Space plants in clumps to create a vibrant display and avoid overcrowding. For newly planted alstroemerias, ensure they are in a sheltered spot to protect young shoots. Using a mulch of chipped bark around the base helps maintain moisture and improve soil conditions, encouraging the plant to establish well and continue flowering throughout the summer.

Q: Where can I buy Alstroemeria Indian Summer and other plants in the Summer Paradise series?

A: Alstroemeria Indian Summer and other varieties from the Summer Paradise series are readily available at many UK garden centres and through reputable online nurseries. Purchasing high-quality plug plants or bulbs ensures vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Online retailers often provide detailed descriptions and photos to help gardeners select the best plants for their garden needs. Whether you prefer visiting local garden centres for personal advice or enjoy the convenience of online shopping, these stunning perennials are accessible to gardeners seeking vibrant summer garden colour.

Q: What are the ideal garden uses for Alstroemeria Indian Summer?

A: Alstroemeria Indian Summer is perfect for adding bold, warm colour to hot-themed borders, mixed perennial beds, and patio containers. Its burnt orange and yellow flowers, complemented by bronze-flushed lance-shaped foliage, create a striking visual effect. The plant’s long flowering period, which lasts well into autumn, makes it invaluable for continuous summer interest. It is also a fantastic choice for cutting gardens, as it provides stems with excellent vase life. Hardy yet elegant, this perennial is well-suited to both formal and informal garden designs, enhancing the garden’s appeal throughout the growing season.