Alstroemeria Duchesses d'Anjou Diane

Alstroemeria Duchesses d'Anjou 'Diane' is one of the most colourful varieties in the excellent Duchesses d'Anjou series of Peruvian lilies, chosen for their medium size, strong stems, and abundant flowering. These plants are wonderful in beds and containers. It bears beautiful red flowers spotted with yellow. The plant can withstand winter in open ground in regions that are not too cold, under a protective mulch. Its flowers, carried by thick and sturdy stems, are perfect for bouquets.

Alstroemeria Duchesses d'Anjou 'Diane' is a recent horticultural variety, obtained near Angers. All modern Peruvian lilies are hybrids of several tuberous species native to South America, particularly the Chilean Andes. These high-altitude plants belong to the Alstroemeriaceae family. They are somewhat hardy, and appreciate moist but well-drained soils in lightly wooded areas. They are slow to establish. Depending on growing conditions, they will either die or become invasive! They are almost indestructible once you have found the right spot for them.

Like all plants in the series, Alstroemeria Duchesses d'Anjou 'Diane' is easy to grow in good horticultural soil that remains moist. The plant quickly forms dense and rounded clumps with leafy stems not exceeding 35cm (14in) in height when flowering, with a spread of 30 to 35cm (12 to 14in). Flowering occurs from June to October. The flowers are gathered in terminal umbels. They consist of 3 narrow central petals, adorned with yellow spots streaked with brown on a coral-red background, surrounded by 3 wider petals that are also coral-red. The foliage is arranged on the upper part of the stems. The leaves are dark green with a slight bluish tint. The plant disappears in winter, leaving only the trailing stump with fleshy roots underground. The roots are sensitive to transplantation shock, especially in older plants. It can withstand temperatures down to -7°C (19.4°F).

Alstroemeria Duchesses d'Anjou 'Diane' is perfect for brightening up flower beds and planters for weeks on end. On a patio or balcony, it forms a bouquet of flowers with exotic charm that rivals balcony geraniums in brilliance. In flower beds, this plant will go well, for example, with other Duchesses d'Anjou varieties, or with complementary grasses. Stipa, small miscanthus, and Muhlenbergia capillaris will accompany its autumn colours with their lush foliage and magnificent late-season blooms. You can also plant blue lobelias at its base, or Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, which boasts intense blue flowers and reddish foliage in October.