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| genus = Alstroemeria
| genus = Alstroemeria
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Most species are great in herbaceous or mixed borders, though species like A. pygmaea and A. hookeri may be better off in an alpine house. Many Alstromeria make excellent cut flowers. For evergreen varieties, the entire flower stalk should be gently twisted from roots when gathering cut flowers.
Erect stems with mid to gray-green leaves produce showy, funnel shaped, 6-tepaled flowers. Flowers are about 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, but can be smaller in dwarf-type species. Blooms mainly in summer, but this varies by species as well. Blooms come in loose, many times compound clusters (terminal umbels) which are 3-5in (8-13cm) across. Stems grow from fleshy or [[rhizome]]-like [[tuber]]s, spreading to form clumps.
==Cultivation==
==Cultivation==
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Tubers should be planted 8in (20cm) deep in late summer or early fall. Handle them with care, as they are extremely fragile. In growing season, water freely and fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. In winter water very little.
Outdoors they should be grown in moist, well drained and fertile soil, either in full sun, or in afternoon shade where very hot. Mulch the plants the first two years, and where there are winter freezes, plant near a warm wall and give extra winter protection with a dry mulch. Alstroemeria 'Sweet Laura' is a newer variety that is said to grow as far north as USDA Zone 5, and also has scented flowers. A. aurea and A. ligtu, as well as hybrids of these species can tolerate short drops in temperature to 5[[Fahrenheit|°F]] (-15[[Celsius|°C]]). Plants form clumps when left undisturbed.
In an alpine house, grow in mix of loam, leaf mold and sharp sand. In cool greenhouses use a soil-based potting mix.
===Propagation===
===Propagation===
Established clumps can be divided in fall or very early spring. Plants can be grown from seed sown in containers as soon as ripe. Seedlings should be planted out by the pot (rather than separated at time of planting) to avoid damage to the delicate tubers.
===Pests and diseases===
===Pests and diseases===
Gray mold may appear on flowers, and the plant may be affected by a number of viruses. [[Spider mites]] and [[slugs]] are also a problem.
==Species==
==Species==