Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' ®

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Planting Location: Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' prefers a location that receives full sun to partial shade. In regions with hot climates, providing some afternoon shade can protect the plant from excessive heat, ensuring prolonged blooming.
• Soil Type: This variety thrives in well-draining soil. A mixture of loamy or sandy soil with good organic matter content is ideal. If your garden soil is heavy clay, improve drainage by adding compost or grit.
• Soil pH: Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Regularly checking the soil pH will help you maintain ideal growing conditions for the plant.
• Spacing: Space plants about 12 inches (30 cm) apart to allow room for growth and to improve air circulation. This spacing also prevents overcrowding, which can lead to disease issues.
• Planting Depth: When planting tubers, place them about 2-3 inches deep in the soil. This ensures that the tubers are well-protected from temperature extremes and remain in moist, well-drained soil.

Watering and Fertilization

• Watering: Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' requires consistent moisture, particularly during the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. Water deeply once or twice a week depending on weather conditions, ensuring that the soil is neither too dry nor too wet.
• Watering Technique: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal infections. Early morning watering is preferable to allow any excess moisture to evaporate during the day.
• Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring when new growth begins. During the blooming period, you can supplement with a liquid fertilizer high in potassium every 4-6 weeks to encourage prolific flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen as it can promote leafy growth over flower production.

Light and Temperature Requirements

• Light Requirements: Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' grows best in full sun, but in hotter climates, partial shade during the hottest part of the day is beneficial. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the best blooms.
• Temperature: This variety is hardy in USDA zones 6-10. Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' prefers moderate temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). While it can tolerate cooler temperatures, prolonged exposure to frost or freezing conditions may damage the plant.
• Frost Tolerance: In colder regions, provide winter protection by mulching around the base of the plant or consider lifting the tubers and storing them indoors during the winter months.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the summer. Deadheading not only improves the plant's appearance but also redirects energy into producing more flowers.
• Pruning: At the end of the growing season, cut back the foliage to about 6 inches from the ground. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and encourages fresh growth in spring.
• Staking: Although 'Red Elf' is a compact variety, its blooms may still benefit from light staking, especially if grown in windy areas. Use a support ring or small stakes to keep the stems upright and prevent them from falling over.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' is relatively pest-resistant, but aphids, slugs, and snails may occasionally attack the plant. Use insecticidal soap to manage aphids, and set up slug or snail traps to protect the foliage.
• Diseases: The plant is susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too waterlogged. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungal infections, such as leaf spot, can also occur if the leaves stay too wet. Maintain good air circulation and water at the base of the plant to prevent this.
• Preventative Care: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Remove any affected leaves immediately and apply appropriate treatments to prevent the spread of infection.

Propagation

• Division: The most reliable method of propagating Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' is through division. In early spring or autumn, carefully dig up the plant and divide the tubers, ensuring that each section has at least one healthy shoot and root system. Replant immediately in well-prepared soil.
• Seed Propagation: While Alstroemeria can be grown from seed, this process takes longer and may not yield flowers as quickly as division. For best results, collect seeds from mature plants and sow them in a cold frame or greenhouse.
• Cuttings: Take stem cuttings in early summer and root them in moist, well-drained soil. Keep the cuttings in a humid environment until they establish strong roots.

Harvesting and Uses

• Harvesting: Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' is an excellent cut flower with long-lasting blooms. To harvest, cut the stems just as the flower buds begin to open. Make a clean cut at the base of the plant using sharp garden shears.
• Vase Life: Flowers can last up to two weeks in a vase with proper care. Change the water every few days, remove any wilted blooms, and recut the stems to extend their vase life.
• Ornamental Use: The compact size of 'Red Elf' makes it ideal for borders, small garden spaces, and containers. Its bright red flowers create a stunning contrast in mixed flower beds and are perfect for cutting gardens.

Winter Care and Overwintering

• Mulching: In colder regions, mulch around the base of the plant in late autumn to protect the tubers from freezing. A thick layer of straw, leaves, or compost works well to insulate the roots.
• Indoor Overwintering: In areas with harsh winters, consider lifting the tubers after the first frost. Store them in a cool, dry place over winter and replant them in the spring when the danger of frost has passed.

Conclusion

Alstroemeria 'Red Elf' is a beautiful, low-maintenance perennial that brings vibrant color and cheer to any garden. With its compact size, it is perfect for smaller spaces or container gardening. By providing the right amount of sunlight, water, and care, you can enjoy an abundance of bright red flowers throughout the summer. Whether used in borders, as a patio plant, or as a long-lasting cut flower, 'Red Elf' is sure to be a standout feature in your garden.

• Size
  3L

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

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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.
 

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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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