Talkback: Astrantia and alstroemeria

Gardeners' World Web User

I found a seed head at the cemetery where my Mum is buried,it had been lopped off by the mower. I would like to know what it is. The plant that it came from was about 5 feet in height and each stem reaching upwards. Each stem had a lots of little seed heads that look like conical, with the end pointing updwards. I thought it might be alium, however looking up alium seedheads, this looks a no go. It reminds me of onion seed heads. Please can someone help.

Gardeners' World Web User

Be careful when cutting alstromeria for display -I was badly 'burned' and in fact scarred by the sap last year and now make sure I wear gloves.

Gardeners' World Web User

Maggie, we'd really need to see a picture of this plant to identify it properly, so perhaps you could email a digital image.

Gardeners' World Web User

I purchased an Alstroemeria about 4 years ago and have had it in a pot until last year. It flowered only very poorly each year. However I planted it out last year and it has spread considerably but only had one solitary flower on it !!I am not sure of the species but it is medium heightand with a yellowish flower. I would like to know why it will not flower profusely. Can any one give me some advice please ?

Gardeners' World Web User

Alstroemeria are like peonies - they need time to establish as they hate root disturbance. Give it a try & leave it alone for a year - no fertiliser and see what you get.
We are professional growers of alstroemeria - email us a picture of the flowers you get at [email protected] & we'll try to identy the variety and come back with cultural advice.

Cheers
Gisela Metcalfe

Gardeners' World Web User

Hiya, l got some harvested alstromeria seeds and potted them up, that was about a month maybe more ago and there is no sign of a shoot yet. They are inside my garage and are warm and protected but have l planted them too late?

Gardeners' World Web User

I kept a very large pot of Alstroemeria over last winter, it was only a few plants that made it thru the winter, & I put it out on porch, and finally in mid Aug. it started blooming,pot is full of plants.It is beautiful, can I plant this in the ground in fall and they will come up next year?

Gardeners' World Web User

can you grow alstroemeria from stem cuttings

Gardeners' World Web User

I'm looking for alstroemeria seeds from tall cutting plants for change.
I will have already some of them growing myself.
Send me e-mail direct with photo.
[email protected]

Gardeners' World Web User

We have got 3 peonie plants in our garden, 1 well established and flowers its' socks off every year, the other 2 have been in about 3 years and not a sign of a bud! I believe we were very careful when planting them and not planting too deeply...any suggestions? They are being watered now that the weather has warmed up.

Gardeners' World Web User

Hi Maggie Moo - it sounds like a Nectoscordum seedhead. The pink and green flowers droop downwards, then the conical seedheads point upwards, looking like little castles in the border. I've found it invasive but easy to remove where unwanted. Leaves very smelly when crushed.