Alstroemeria Pitchounes Rosie

Astroemeria Pitchounes Rosie is a particularly compact variety of Peruvian Lily, but also particularly floriferous. The plant transforms into a beautifully rounded display for weeks, covered with delicate small two-tone pink lily flowers. They are carried by very strong and weather-resistant low stems. This less hardy perennial plant is easy to grow as an annual and requires very little maintenance. It is simply perfect in flowerpots and containers. You can plant it in partial shade or full sun, in light, rich, and moist soil.

Alstroemeria Pitchounes Rosie is a recent variety belonging to a series of hybrids selected for their very compact habit and floribundity. Peruvian 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 'Rosie', like all 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 with leafy stems that do not exceed 25-30 cm (10-12in) in height when flowering, with a spread of 30 cm. Flowering continues uninterrupted from May-June to October. The open flowers are gathered in terminal umbels. They consist of 3 small central petals in a fairly deep pink adorned with a white and brown spot, surrounded by 3 broader petals in a lighter pink. 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, with only the trailing stump and fleshy roots remaining underground, which can withstand frosts down to -5°C. The stump is sensitive to the shock of transplantation, especially in older plants.

Alstroemeria Pitchounes 'Rosie' is an excellent variety for decorating flowerpots and containers. On the terrace or balcony, it forms a colourful display that rivals balcony geraniums. At the edge of a flowerbed, 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 magnificent foliage and late-season blooms. You can also plant Ceratostigma plumbaginoides at its base, with intense blue flowers and red foliage in October. A marvel!