Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' ®

Description and Characteristics

Alstroemeria 'Red Elf'® is a vibrant, compact perennial from the Colorita® (or Inca) series, celebrated for its intense red blooms and extended flowering period. This dwarf variety of Peruvian Lily is specially bred for container use and front-of-border planting, making it an ideal choice for small gardens, patios, and balcony displays.

Reaching approximately 25–35 cm in height and spreading 30–40 cm, 'Red Elf' produces brilliant red flowers with golden-yellow throats and fine dark streaks, delivering bold contrast and eye-catching appeal from late spring through the first frost. Each bloom sits atop a strong, leafy stem emerging from a compact clump of lush green foliage.

This cultivar not only offers ornamental value but also functions beautifully as a long-lasting cut flower, with blooms that can last up to two weeks in a vase.

• Compact, mound-forming habit with bold red blooms

• Flowering season: May to October (with deadheading)

• Ideal for containers, borders, and cut flower gardens

• Part of the Colorita® series: compact, cold-tolerant, and floriferous

• Hardy to approx. -5°C (USDA Zones 8–10); protect or lift in colder climates

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' is a low-maintenance, high-impact perennial that thrives in sunny, well-drained positions. With proper watering and regular deadheading, it will provide non-stop flowering throughout the growing season.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to light partial shade

  • In hot summer climates, light afternoon shade helps preserve bloom quality

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires well-drained, fertile soil

  • Performs best in neutral to slightly acidic soils enriched with organic matter

  • Avoid heavy clay or overly wet soils to prevent tuber rot

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy

  • Water regularly during dry spells, particularly in pots

  • Reduce watering in autumn and winter as growth slows

• Fertilising:

  • Feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • Boost blooming with a liquid fertiliser every 2–4 weeks during active growth

  • Avoid over-fertilising, as it may lead to excess foliage over flowers

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Pull (do not cut) spent flower stems from the base to stimulate new growth

  • Trim yellowing foliage and faded stems for a clean, healthy appearance

  • Cut back foliage in late autumn if overwintering indoors or in frost-free zones

• Winter Protection:

  • In colder areas (below -5°C), lift and store tubers in dry compost in a frost-free area

  • Alternatively, grow in containers that can be overwintered indoors or in a sheltered greenhouse

  • In milder regions, apply a thick winter mulch for root protection

Garden Uses, Companions, and Pest Management

Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' combines compact form with bold colour, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting summer colour in small or urban spaces. Its strong stems and prolonged blooming also make it a valuable addition to floral arrangements.

• Garden Uses:

  • Ideal for containers, window boxes, front-of-border planting, raised beds, and cut flower gardens

  • Suitable for balconies, terraces, and urban courtyards

  • Adds season-long colour to formal, tropical, or cottage-style designs

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with dwarf salvias, scabiosa, calibrachoa, coreopsis, and dwarf grasses

  • Works well alongside silver-foliage plants like artemisia or helichrysum

  • Can be underplanted with trailing varieties like bacopa or lobelia in pots

• Cut Flower Value:

  • Excellent for floral arrangements; stems last 10–14 days in a vase

  • Remove lower leaves and change water regularly for best results

  • Harvest stems by pulling gently from the base to prolong flowering

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally resistant to deer and rabbits

  • Young shoots may occasionally attract slugs or aphids

  • Good airflow and well-drained soil will prevent most fungal issues such as botrytis

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.

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.