Alstroemeria, also known as the Lily-of-the-Incas or Inca Lily, is a new
garden plant that is being grown for its beautiful, large inflorescences
of purple, lavender, red, pink, yellow, orange, white and bicolors. 

In recent years, the Inca Lily has gained distinction because of the
breeding work of Dr. Mark Bridgen at the University of Connecticut.  He
began his work in 1987 with his first plant collection expedition to
Brazil with the late Fred Meyer.  In Brazil he was able to collect the
only fragrant species of Alstroemeria plus others that supply certain
valuable characteristics to the hybrids.  In subsequent years, Dr.
Bridgen made 8 trips to Chile to collect Alstroemeria species that add
winter hardiness, stem strength, and a variety of colors to the
hybrids.  Recent popular cultivars include Patricia Lynn', Freedom',
and Sweet Laura'.

Historically, the Inca Lily has been best known for its ability to
produce long-lasting cut flowers; their postharvest vase life is up to
2-3 weeks.  However, their virtues as potted and garden plants have been
unveiled through the Bridgen Hybrids.  

Most of the Inca Lily cultivars are hardy to zone 6B and warmer.   In
regions colder than zone 6B, plants are grown in containers for the deck
and patio during the early part of the season ("pansy time") because of
their tolerance to light frosts.  Later in the season, the Inca Lilies
are transplanted into the garden and treated as annuals or tender
perennials.  The plants have an everblooming habit in the garden and
will flower continuously all summer and fall until frost. 

Currently, there is only one dependably hardy cultivar of Alstroemeria,
named Sweet Laura '.  It is hardy to USDA zone 5.  In addition to its
hardiness, this patented plant is also the only commercially available
fragrant cultivar in the world. 

	In the garden, Alstroemeria grow best in full sun, but can also grow
when given partial shade.  Heights of the plants will vary from 1-3 ft
tall depending on the cultivar, the amount of light the plant receives,
and plant culture.  Flowering stems are shorter on plants that are grown
in full sun.  Plants will also remain shorter during the growing season
if flowering stems are removed after they bloom.  

	Alstroemeria plants that are grown in the garden respond positively to
the application of mulch, watering procedures and fertilizer
applications.  They will flower more with high levels of fertilizer
applied.  The plants should be kept moist and cool, but should not be
allowed to be in poorly drained soils.

	In cold regions,  the rhizomes of Alstroemeria can be stored during the
winter if they are kept cool (34-37 F; 1-3C) and not allowed to dry
out.  Storage in peat moss, thick grade vermiculite or some other light,
well-drained compound is optimal.  Rhizomes that are wrapped in plastic
must be periodically checked to guarantee that they do not become too
wet for long periods.