Alstroemeria Pitchounes Oceane

Astroemeria Pitchounes Oceane is a particularly compact variety of Inca Lily that blooms continuously from late spring to early autumn. The plant forms a beautifully rounded display of lily flowers in a lovely purple-pink colour, striped with brown and discreetly variegated with white. They are carried by very sturdy low stems that are resistant to bad weather. This less hardy perennial plant is easy to grow as an annual and requires very little maintenance. It is simply perfect in garden pots and containers. You can place it in partial shade or in the sun, in a light, rich, and moist soil.

Alstroemeria Pitchounes Oceane is a recent variety belonging to a series of hybrids selected for their very compact habit and abundant flowering. The Inca lilies are derived from the 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 'Oceane', like all the plants in the series, is easy to grow in a good horticultural soil that is kept moist. The plant quickly forms dense and rounded clumps consisting of leafy stems that do not exceed 25-30 cm (10-12in) in height when flowering, with a spread of 30 cm. The flowering is continuous from May-June to October. The wide-open flowers are gathered in terminal umbels. They consist of 3 small central petals surrounded by 3 larger petals. The foliage is arranged on the upper part of the stems. The leaves of this variety are a medium green-blue colour. The plant disappears in winter, with only the trailing stump and fleshy roots remaining underground, which can withstand frost down to -5°C. The root is sensitive to the shock of transplantation, especially in older plants.

Alstroemeria Pitchounes 'Oceane' is an excellent variety for decorating garden pots and containers. On the terrace or balcony, it forms a colourful bouquet that rivals balcony geraniums in brightness. In flower beds, this plant pairs well, for example, 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 Ceratostigma plumbaginoides at its feet, with intensely blue flowers and red foliage in October. A marvel!