ALSTROEMERIA sp. Summer Pepper

Description and Characteristics

Alstroemeria 'Summer Pepper' is a vibrant and compact hybrid from the Summer Paradise® Series, bred for long-season blooming, excellent garden hardiness, and cut flower quality. This cultivar stands out for its fiery orange-red flowers, often highlighted with yellow throats and subtle dark markings, creating a bold, exotic display from late spring through to the first frost.

Typically reaching 60–70 cm in height with a spread of 40–50 cm, 'Summer Pepper' is taller than dwarf Colorita® types, yet maintains a neat, bushy habit ideal for mid-border placement and large patio containers. Its strong, upright stems make it well-suited for flower arranging, and it blooms abundantly even in cooler, temperate climates.

• Fiery red-orange flowers with golden throats and fine streaking

• Upright habit with lush green foliage

• Long flowering period: May to October

• Suitable for garden beds, containers, and cut flower production

• Hardy to around -10°C (USDA Zones 7–10) with winter mulching

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Alstroemeria 'Summer Pepper' performs best when given sun, moisture, and regular feeding, and is well-suited to a wide range of garden conditions. Once established, its tuberous roots offer good drought resilience and winter dormancy adaptation.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for best flowering performance

  • Tolerates light partial shade, particularly in hot summer climates

• Soil Requirements:

  • Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions, which may lead to root rot

  • Ideal pH: neutral to slightly acidic

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during dry periods to maintain even soil moisture

  • Reduce watering in autumn when growth slows

  • Ensure good drainage in pots and raised beds

• Fertilising:

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring

  • Supplement with liquid bloom fertiliser every 3–4 weeks during flowering

  • Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which can cause excessive foliage growth

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Pull (not cut) spent flower stems from the base to promote continued blooming

  • Remove yellowing leaves to keep plants tidy

  • In autumn, allow foliage to die back naturally or trim after the first frost

• Winter Care:

  • In Zones 7–8, mulch heavily over the crown in late autumn

  • In colder climates, lift and store tubers in dry compost in a frost-free area

  • Potted plants can be overwintered in a sheltered area or cold frame

Design Applications, Companions, and Cut Flower Benefits

‘Summer Pepper’ brings long-lasting colour and upright form to garden beds and floral designs. Its vibrant blooms offer high visual impact and blend easily into mixed planting schemes, while its vase performance makes it a favourite for florists.

• Design Uses:

  • Perfect for mid-border plantings, perennial beds, mixed containers, and urban gardens

  • Effective in cut flower beds and pollinator-friendly gardens

  • Combines well with both structured and naturalistic planting styles

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with echinacea, salvia, rudbeckia, gaura, and agastache

  • Contrasts well with silver foliage (e.g. artemisia) or blue-toned flowers

  • For containers, mix with trailing calibrachoa, lobelia, or verbena for colour balance

• Cut Flower Qualities:

  • Vase life: 10–14 days

  • Harvest by pulling stems from the base rather than cutting to encourage regrowth

  • Remove lower leaves and change water regularly for optimal longevity

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally deer and rabbit resistant

  • Monitor for aphids, red spider mites, or slugs on new shoots

  • Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues like botrytis or leaf spot

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.