SEATTLE — Gardening expert Ciscoe Morris has a Plant of the Month for July that can take the heat and attract hummingbirds at the same time.
"This is my plant of the month, alstroemeria, they're coming out with all kinds of new ones,” Morris said, holding up a container of a new one named ‘Colorita Katiana.’ “I bought this. I put it on the ground, a hummingbird went to it right in front of me. It's unbelievable!”
Morris described the alstroemerias, also known as Peruvian lilies, that he has growing in his garden: “I have 'Rock and Roll,' it’s got variegated foliage, makes a big clump of red flowers, hummingbirds die for it!”
"Then, this is probably one of my all-time favorites: Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer,' so beautiful and never quits!” he said, pointing to one with orange and yellow blooms in a sunny spot in his garden. He also has one called 'Inca Joli' that’s compact and low to the ground with deep red flowers.
"Now they're tough plants. They like full sun,” said Morris, who added that there’s a trick to deadheading alstroemeria to bring back more blooms. Instead of cutting spent flowers, rip out the entire stalk. “Now when you do that, what it does is it makes a new one grow that takes its place!”
Another thing to note about these plants: “When you used to grow alstroemeria in the old days it took over your whole garden, and people hated that with a passion. The new ones don't do that, they stay put and behave!”
And finally, there’s a reason florists love alstroemeria: “They make the best cut flowers, these often last two weeks in the house. So if you get a little mischief and need to make up, they’re a great plant to have on hand for a bouquet, everything will be okay!” Morris said.
This story is sponsored by Dramm.
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