Alstroemeria (Planet Series) ‘Venus’ (Peruvian lily) £7.99
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: contact with the foliage may cause skin irritation Hardiness: fully hardy Creamy white petals, that are infused with pink, surround the more colourful inner petals, which also have yellow flashes and small maroon streaks. A very pretty Peruvian lily that will blend easily with pastel shades, stronger pinks or white. They are excellent for cutting too. Garden care: 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.