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Herbaceous Perennial

Alstroemeria 'Polka'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Peruvian lily 'Polka'

Clump-forming perennial to 60cm, with mid-green leafy stems bearing clusters of rosy-pink flowers, the outer petals with a purple flare, the inner ones marked with yellow, borne in summer and autumn

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Purple Yellow Green
Autumn Pink Purple Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Alstroemeriaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Alstroemeria are fleshy rooted herbaceous perennials forming spreading clumps of erect stems bearing narrowly lance-shaped leaves, with umbels of showy funnel-shaped flowers in summer

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Young plants are best left undisturbed to form clumps; use a dry mulch for the first two winters. See Alstroemeria cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or very early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Pull up spent flowered stems, leaving tubers in ground

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to a virus

Get involved

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