Peruvian lily ‘Indian Summer’

Perennial

Alstroemeria Indian Summer (‘Tesronto’)

Peruvian lily ‘Indian Summer’

Also known as: Alstroemeria 'Tesronto', Alstroemeria Summer Paradise Series 'Indian Summer'

A long-flowering Peruvian lily with copper-orange flowers over dark bronze foliage from summer to autumn.

  • Full sun, Partial shade
  • 60–90 cm (24–35 in)
  • 30–50 cm (12–20 in)
  • H4 · Zone 8
  • June–October
  • Deciduous

Overview

One of the hardy Summer Paradise series, this compact alstroemeria produces bright copper-orange flowers with yellow inner petals flecked purple-brown, held above unusual bronze to purple-grey leaves. It flowers continuously from early summer into autumn and makes a superb, long-lasting cut flower. It grows from fleshy, tuberous roots and is hardy through most of the UK (about -10°C), especially once established; a deep winter mulch helps young plants in colder areas.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun, Partial shade
Height 60–90 cm (24–35 in)
Spread 30–50 cm (12–20 in)
Hardiness H4 · Zone 8
Flowers June–October
Soil Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Clump forming, Upright
Water Moderate
Maintenance Easy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -10°C (14°F)
pH Range 6–7.5
Fertility Fertile
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Soil Tolerance

  • Clay
  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Alstroemeria Indian Summer (‘Tesronto’) (Peruvian lily ‘Indian Summer’) foliage
Alstroemeria Indian Summer (‘Tesronto’) (Peruvian lily ‘Indian Summer’) foliage
Persistence Deciduous
Colour Bronze, Purple, Grey-green
Leaf shape / texture lanceolate_twisted

Foliage interest: April–November

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Propagate
  • Flowering Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Foliage Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
  • Propagate Apr Sep

Maintenance Calendar

  • Apr Protect young shoots from slugs, which can eat emerging growth overnight
  • Jun Pull spent flower stems gently from the base rather than cutting them, as this triggers new flowering shoots
  • Jul Feed every two weeks with a high-potash liquid feed to keep flowers coming
  • Nov Cover the crown with a thick mulch of compost or bark, which insulates the fleshy roots in their first winters

Garden Design

Works well in: Cottage, Modern / Contemporary, Wildlife-friendly

Plant in a sunny border or large pot near the house where cut stems can be gathered easily; the bronze leaves pair well with hot-coloured flowers.

Companion planting: Grasses, Salvias, Dahlias, Heleniums

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Other pollinators

Safety

  • Toxic to humans
  • Toxic to dogs
  • Toxic to cats
  • Skin irritant

Sap contains tuliposides that can cause skin rashes ('tulip fingers'); wear gloves when handling a lot of stems. Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.