Alstroemeria ‘Saturne’ (Planet Series) (alstroemeria Saturne) £5.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: slow growing to average Flowering period: June and July Other features: excellent cut flowers; contact with the foliage may cause skin irritation Hardiness: fully hardy The large outer tepals of this exotic-looking cultivar have heart-shaped tips and a warm apricot-yellow hue, while the yellow inner petals have numerous near-black markings. More compact than many of the other Peruvian lilies, it is equally suitable for growing in containers or the border. Garden care: Alstroemerias will need some protection in their first year or two, so only plant out when all danger of frost has passed. Set the bare roots out carefully onto well-prepared soil, or if planting into pots, use a good, multi-purpose compost. The plant will grow from the rhizome, not the fleshy storage bulb, so it is important that any bud on the rhizome is pointing upwards before being covered with 7 – 8cm (3″) soil. Keep the soil moist whilst the plant starts to grow and develop, which should be in spring. Newly planted Alstroemerias should be given a very generous 20cm (8″) deep mulch of chipped bark in their first winter to help the plants become established. In subsequent autumns, provide a dry mulch of bracken or bark chippings will help protect the crowns. After flowering cut back the faded flower-stems, but make sure you always wear gloves when working with Peruvian lilies, as contact with the foliage may cause skin irritation.