Alstroemeria Duchesses d'Anjou Elisabeth

Like other Peruvian lilies in the Duchesses d'Anjou series, Alstroemeria Duchesses d'Anjou 'Elisabeth' is a medium-sized variety with strong stems and abundant, long-lasting flowering. It is perfect for flower beds and flower pots and for making bouquets. It bears large flowers that are vividly coloured in pink with small yellow spots, streaked with brown and red. The plant can withstand winter in the ground in not too cold regions, under protective mulch. 

Alstroemeria Duchesses d'Anjou 'Elisabeth' 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 'Elisabeth' is vigorous and easy to grow in good potting 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 in bright pink streaked with red, with the two upper ones having a small yellow spot streaked with brown, surrounded by 3 wider petals in bright pink. 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 'Elisabeth' is ideal for adding life to 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, nemesias, 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.