Alstroemeria Majestic Briancon

Alstroemeria Majestics 'Briancon', with its striped flowers in two shades of yellow, is one of the brightest Inca lilies among this series of hybrids selected for their vigor, hardiness, and remarkable floribundance. They all produce long, sturdy flower stalks ideal for cut flowers. It is a perennial plant that reappears year after year if cared for with rich, well-drained soil and regular watering in dry weather. You can plant it in full sun or partial shade, in a bed sheltered from the wind that could bend the stems.

Alstroemerias, belonging to the Alstroemeriaceae family, are perennial plants with tuberous roots native to South America. The hardiest ones, like A. aurantiaca, are native to the Chilean Andes and Patagonia. Sometimes slow to establish, Inca lilies can disappear or... become invasive! Quirky but fantastic plants, very sensitive to growing conditions, they are 'indestructible' once you find the right spot for them. Horticulturists have been working for a few years to develop more reliable and resistant varieties for our wet and cold winters. The Majestics series was developed near Angers. It brings together tall hybrids that can withstand short freezes of around -15°C (5°F) if the base is protected from moisture.

Alstroemeria 'Majestics Briancon' quickly forms dense clumps from spring, with many leafy stems reaching about 70-75 cm (28-30in) in height when in bloom, with a nearly identical spread. The flowering takes place from June to October, uninterrupted if the soil remains moist. Each flower stalk carries several 5-6 cm (2in) flowers, gathered in terminal umbels. They consist of 3 small central petals with a large golden yellow macule speckled with brown, surrounded by 3 slightly wider petals, pale yellow in colour, almost white. The abundant foliage is arranged along the stems. The leaves are dark greenish-blue. Foliage and stems disappear in winter, leaving only the slightly creeping stump with fleshy roots underground. The stump is sensitive to the shock of transplantation, especially in older plants.

Alstroemeria 'Briancon' is a beautiful border plant with remarkably coloured flowers that last a long time in a vase, up to 2 weeks if you remember to change the water daily and trim the stems occasionally. When well established, this exuberant plant offers a magnificent display. In the garden, Alstroemeria Majestics pairs well, for example, with smaller agapanthus varieties like Golden Drop or Silver Moon. It can also be combined with complementary grasses; Stipa, small Miscanthus or Muhlenbergia capillaris will accompany its flowering with their foliage and delicate blooms. In a large flower pot, associate this colourful variety with blue lobelias or Diamond Frost Euphorbia, for example.