Q: Please warn people about planting alstroemeria. It’s gone under a cemented stone wall, under paving stones, has engulfed ferns and is about to do in a hydrangea. For me, alstroemeria is a nightmare.

A: I’ve enjoyed this long-lasting component of flower arrangements for years. But ehn I planted some in a garden be I quickly learned why alstroemeria is so ubiquitous….the flowers are cheap to produce because the plant is an invasive weed!

It can be particularly noxious in wet shady spots. My bed is mostly in hot sunshine in summer, so the plant dries out in July-August. But when cooler temperatures arrive along with a little rain, the leaves burst out of the soil.

alstromeria

alstromeria

alstromeria

alstromeria