Alstroemeria

Alstroemerias, or Peruvian lilies, are prized for one thing above all: they keep going. From early summer well into autumn, they produce a steady succession of richly coloured flowers marked with delicate streaks and speckles, in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, cream, white and purple. Their upright stems and neat leafy growth make them easy to place through mixed borders, while more compact varieties are particularly well suited to pots and smaller gardens.

They are also among the best cut flowers for a home garden. Pick the stems regularly and established plants will continue producing more, giving Alstroemeria real value through the season. Hardy varieties can settle into UK borders in a sheltered, well-drained position, while more tender forms benefit from extra winter protection. Their long flowering period, strong stems and fresh, bright blooms make Peruvian lilies especially useful where you want plenty of colour without relying on one short peak.

A well-established clump can become increasingly generous over time, filling the garden with flowers that work just as beautifully indoors as they do outside. Use Peruvian lily plants to bring repeated colour through a border, grow compact varieties in containers, or plant several together for a fuller display. With their exceptional flowering season and excellent vase life, Alstroemeria earns its place as one of the most rewarding summer perennials for UK gardens.