Alstroemeria Pitchounes Gaspard

Asltroemeria Pitchounes Gaspard is a variety of very small size Inca lily, which is particularly floriferous from late spring to early autumn. The plant forms a beautifully rounded display of fairly deep pink flowers, enhanced with yellow and white and speckled with brown. They are carried by very strong low stems resistant to bad weather. This not very hardy perennial plant is easy to grow as an annual and requires very little maintenance. It is simply perfect in flower pots. You will install it in partial shade or in the sun, in a light, rich and moist soil.

Alstroemeria Pitchounes Gaspard is a recent variety belonging to a series of hybrids selected for their very compact habit and floribundance. The Inca lilies are the result of hybridization of several tuberous species native to South America, particularly the Chilean Andes.  These high-altitude plants belonging to the Alstroemeriaceae family are more or less hardy, appreciate moist, well-drained soils, in lightly wooded and cool areas. Slow to establish, they can disappear or... become invasive! Quirky and fantastic plants, very sensitive to growing conditions, they are "indestructible" once you have found the right spot for them.

Pitchounes 'Gaspard', like all the plants in the series, is easy to grow in good soil. The plant quickly forms dense and rounded clumps made up of leafy stems not exceeding 25-30 cm (10-12in) in height when flowering, with a spread of 30 cm. Flowering is uninterrupted from May-June to October. The flowers, very open, are gathered in terminal umbels. They are composed of 3 small central petals surrounded by 3 larger petals, fairly dark pink with a white and yellow zone streaked with brown. The centre of the flower is equipped with bright pink stamens. The foliage is arranged on the upper part of the stems. The leaves of this variety are medium green-blue in colour. The plant disappears in winter, only the trailing stump with fleshy roots remains underground, which can withstand frosts down to -5°C. The base is sensitive to the shock of transplantation, especially in older plants.

Alstroemeria Pitchounes 'Gaspard' is an excellent variety for decorating flower boxes and pots. On the patio or balcony, it forms a display of flowers that rivals the brilliance of balcony geraniums. Along the edge of a border, this plant will blend well, for example, with other Pitchounes varieties or with grasses; Stipa, small Miscanthus or Muhlenbergia capillaris will accompany its autumn colours with their foliage and magnificent late season blooms. You can also plant blue lobelias or Ceratostigma plumbaginoides at its base, with intense blue flowers and red foliage in October. A marvel!