Alstroemeria Mars

Alstroemeria 'Mars' is part of a series of hybrids selected for their floribundance, vibrant colours, and reliability. This vigorous variety of Peruvian Lily blooms throughout the summer: its beautiful flowers, intense red with yellow spots and brown stripes, open on an upright and well-branched plant, making it a stunning plant in flowerbeds or in pots on the patio. Adapted for outdoor cultivation, in all climates, it is hardy down to -15°C in well-drained soil. Its exotic-looking lily flowers are, of course, remarkable in a vase.

The series of Alstroemerias 'Planet' was developed in France by Ernest Turc. Two varieties have already been given awards by the Royal Horticultural Society for their ornamental qualities and performance in the garden. Alstroemerias, belonging to the Alstroemeriaceae family, are perennial plants with tuberous roots native to South America. The hardiest ones, like A. aurantiaca, better adapted to our climates, are native to the Chilean Andes and Patagonia. These high-altitude plants are relatively hardy, and appreciate cool and well-drained soil in light and moist wooded areas. Slow to establish, Peruvian lilies can disappear or... become invasive! Quirky but fantastic plants, very sensitive to growing conditions, they are "indestructible" when you find the right spot for them. Peruvian lilies 'Planet' are less unpredictable plants, they easily survive our normal winters in well-drained soil.

'Mars' quickly forms dense, non-suckering, and tidy clumps. They are made up of sturdy leafy stems that can reach 80 cm (32in) in height when in flower, with a spread of 50 cm. The flowering takes place continuously from June-July to late September, if the soil remains moist.  The  very open 5 cm (2in) flowers, are gathered in terminal umbels. They consist of 3 small central petals of a bright carmine red, widely spotted with yellow towards the base, streaked with purple-brown, surrounded by 3 wider petals of the same intense red. Each plant can produce at least 30 flowers. The foliage, abundant in this 'Mars' Alstroemeria, is arranged on the upper part of the stems. The leaves of this variety are an elegant satin dark green shade. The foliage and stems disappear in winter, leaving only slightly creeping stumps with fleshy roots underground. These roots are sensitive to transplantation, especially in older plants.

Alstroemeria Mars, when mature, creates a magnificent spectacle in flowerbeds or on a semi-shaded slope, in front of an evergreen screen composed of boxwood or holly. This plant also pairs well, for example, with the small white flowers of chamomiles or the blue perennial flax. It can also be associated with red, orange, or blue shrubby salvias, or with grasses; Stipa, small Miscanthus or Muhlenbergia capillaris will accompany its late summer flowers with their magnificent foliage and blooms. You can also plant Ceratostigma plumbaginoides beside it, with intense blue flowers and red foliage in October. A marvel! Pot cultivation is also possible.