Alstroemeria 'Summer Break' – Planting & Care Guide

About Alstroemeria 'Summer Break'

Alstroemeria 'Summer Break', also known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is a compact, free-flowering perennial that produces masses of vibrant blooms from early summer until the first frosts. Its colourful flowers, often featuring warm shades of orange, yellow, pink or red with attractive speckled markings, sit above lush green foliage, creating a long-lasting display in borders and containers.

This compact variety typically grows to 40–60cm tall with a spread of 40–50cm, making it ideal for smaller gardens, patio pots and the front of mixed borders. The flowers are excellent for cutting, often lasting up to two weeks in a vase, while also attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun or partial shade.
• Choose a sheltered position protected from strong winds.
• Prefers fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
• Improve the soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its container without disturbing the roots excessively.
• Position the crown level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Space plants approximately 40–50cm apart to allow for healthy growth.

Care & Maintenance

Alstroemeria 'Summer Break' is a reliable, low-maintenance perennial that flowers continuously with regular care.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry periods.
• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Apply a high-potash liquid feed every few weeks during flowering to encourage more blooms.
• Mulch annually to conserve moisture and improve soil quality.
• Remove weeds regularly around the base of the plant.
• Gently pull spent flowering stems from the base instead of cutting them to encourage fresh flowering shoots.
• Protect young shoots from slugs and snails during spring.

Pruning

Very little pruning is required to keep the plant looking its best.

• Remove faded flower stems by pulling them gently from the base.
• Cut away damaged, yellow or dead foliage as required.
• Remove old growth in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge.
• Divide mature clumps every 4–5 years if they become overcrowded.
• Avoid disturbing established plants unnecessarily, as they perform best when left undisturbed.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Alstroemeria 'Summer Break'
• Common Name: Peruvian Lily 'Summer Break'
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: 40–60cm
• Spread: 40–50cm
• Flower Colour: Warm shades of orange, yellow, pink or red with contrasting markings
• Flowering Period: June to October
• Foliage: Bright green
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Hardy throughout most of Ireland and the UK with good drainage

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Alstroemeria 'Summer Break' is perfect for adding long-lasting colour to a variety of garden settings.

• Mixed perennial borders
• Cottage gardens
• Patio containers
• Raised beds
• Front of borders
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
• Cut flower gardens
• Contemporary planting schemes
• Courtyard gardens
• Small urban gardens

It combines beautifully with Salvia, Nepeta, Lavender, Echinacea, Coreopsis, Heuchera, Geranium and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Fresh green foliage emerges in spring.
• Flower buds develop in early summer.
• Continuous flowering from summer until the first frosts.
• Bright blooms attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
• Excellent cut flowers with a long vase life.
• Foliage dies back in winter before fresh growth appears the following spring.

Common Problems

Alstroemeria 'Summer Break' is generally healthy and easy to grow.

• Slugs and snails may feed on young spring growth.
• Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
• Plants may wilt if allowed to dry out for extended periods.
• Aphids may occasionally appear on tender new shoots.
• Good airflow around the plant helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

With its compact habit, vibrant flowers and exceptionally long flowering season, Alstroemeria 'Summer Break' is a fantastic choice for gardens of all sizes. Easy to care for and highly rewarding, it provides months of colourful blooms, attracts pollinators and produces beautiful cut flowers, making it a valuable addition to borders, containers and patio displays

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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 DPD 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.
 

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