Alstroemeria Colorita® 'Kate'

Overview and Distinct Features

Alstroemeria Colorita® 'Kate' is a standout variety from the Colorita® series, bred for compact size, abundant flowering, and reliable garden performance. This variety is cherished for its striking two-tone flowers: deep magenta to red petals with a contrasting bright yellow throat and fine dark streaks. The plant’s refined stature and heavy bloom production make it perfect for containers, borders, and cut flower arrangements.

‘Kate’ combines tropical-looking blooms with temperate hardiness, flowering profusely over a long season from late spring until the first frost.

• Height: 30–40 cm

• Spread: 30–45 cm

• Flowers: Rich red to magenta with yellow throat and markings

• Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves

• Flowering Period: May to October (continual with deadheading)

• Growth Habit: Compact, upright, clump-forming

• Type: Perennial (semi-evergreen in mild regions)

• Hardiness: RHS H4 (approx. -5°C to -10°C)

• Uses: Containers, flower beds, borders, cutting garden

Planting and Growing Conditions

The Colorita® series of Alstroemeria are well-suited for sunny or lightly shaded gardens and provide reliable performance in both ground beds and pots.

Light Requirements

• Best in full sun to partial shade

• Some afternoon shade may help prolong flower colour in very hot climates

Soil Preferences

• Prefers well-drained, fertile soil

• Will tolerate light clay or sandy soil if well amended with compost

• Avoid waterlogged conditions, particularly in winter

Planting Tips

• Plant in spring or early summer after risk of frost

• Space plants 30–40 cm apart in the border or one per medium pot

• Incorporate organic matter into soil at planting for improved nutrition and drainage

• Use gritty compost in pots for good aeration and water balance

Watering, Feeding, and Maintenance

Watering

• Keep consistently moist during the growing season—especially in containers

• Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely

• Reduce watering in autumn as flowering slows

Feeding

• Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser (like tomato feed) every 2–3 weeks from spring to late summer

• Alternatively, use a slow-release fertiliser at the start of the season

Deadheading and Pruning

• Deadhead regularly by gently pulling stems from the base (not cutting) to stimulate new growth

• In late autumn, cut back stems to just above ground level

• Tidy up foliage in early spring before new shoots emerge

Winter Care

• In mild climates, mulch lightly and leave in place over winter

• In colder areas, mulch deeply or lift and store rhizomes in a frost-free location

• Containers can be overwintered in sheltered porches or unheated greenhouses

Garden Design and Companions

‘Kate’ offers rich colouring that works especially well in contrasting colour schemes and pollinator-friendly borders.

Best Uses

• Containers and patio displays

• Mixed flower borders

• Compact cutting gardens

• Cottage, formal, or Mediterranean-style designs

Companion Plants

• Pairs beautifully with:

  • Salvia, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, Gaura, Nepeta

  • Ornamental grasses like Festuca glauca or Stipa tenuissima

• Contrasts well with soft whites and silver-leaved plants such as Senecio or Artemisia

Additional Notes

• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies

• Cut Flower Use: Blooms last up to 2 weeks in a vase

• Low Maintenance: Generally pest and disease free

• Propagation: Can be divided every 3–4 years in spring if clumps become crowded

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.