5 Minute Friday: Planting Alstroemeria 'Duke Charles' for Stunning Summer Colour
Hi there, and welcome to today’s 5 Minute Friday blog! This week, I’m potting up one of my absolute favourite summer plants—Alstroemeria 'Duke Charles'. If you love bright colours and long-lasting blooms, this is definitely one to try. I’ll show you how to plant it in a container and share a few tips I’ve picked up from growing Alstroemerias over the years.
🌿 Why I Love Alstroemerias
Alstroemerias—sometimes called Peruvian lilies or Lily of the Incas—are brilliant plants for adding bold colour to the garden. I’ve grown lots of varieties over the years, but 'Duke Charles' is a real standout. It’s got these amazing bright pink and red blooms with little yellow and dark markings that just pop—perfect for a sunny spot on the patio or balcony.
I love Alstroemerias because:
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They flower for months, from early summer right through to autumn.
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They’re great for cutting—if you like bringing flowers indoors, these last up to two weeks in a vase.
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They’re tough, reliable, and come back year after year.
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Plus, they’re brilliant for pollinators—bees love them!
🌸 My Top Tips for Alstroemeria Care
Here’s what I’ve learned from growing Alstroemerias in pots:
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Light: They love the sun! A bright spot is ideal, but in a really hot summer, a bit of afternoon shade helps them stay looking fresh.
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Compost: I use a mix of John Innes No.3 and a bit of bark or grit—this keeps it free-draining but still holds moisture.
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Watering: Keep them watered, especially in dry spells. They don’t like sitting in soggy compost, but they hate drying out too.
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Feeding: A slow-release fertiliser in the compost is great. If I’ve not used that, I’ll give them a liquid feed every 4–6 weeks through the season.
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Winter care: Alstroemerias are surprisingly hardy, but if it’s really cold or frosty, I’ll move the pot into a sheltered spot or wrap it up.
🪴 Step-by-Step: How I Plant Alstroemerias in a Container
Let’s get stuck in! Here’s how I planted my 'Duke Charles' Alstroemeria for a summer full of colour.
What you’ll need:
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A large, deep pot with drainage holes (I used one about 30–40 cm wide)
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Moisture-retaining, free-draining compost (John Innes No.3 with bark or grit works well)
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Slow-release fertiliser (optional, if not in the compost already)
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Optional mulch like bark or gravel
How I do it:
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Prep the pot
I fill the container about three-quarters full with compost, leaving enough room for the plant and a good top-up of compost. -
Take the plant out
Gently squeeze the pot, tip it upside down, and lift off. If the roots are a bit tangled, I give them a little tease to loosen them up. -
Position the plant
I place the Alstroemeria in the centre of the pot, making sure it’s sitting at the same depth it was in its original pot. -
Fill in around it
I add more compost around the plant, firming it in gently. -
Water well
A good soak is key. I water slowly, let it sink in, and repeat until water starts coming out the bottom of the pot. -
Mulch (optional)
Sometimes I’ll add a bit of bark or gravel on top—it helps keep the moisture in, especially in hot weather.
🌸 Looking Ahead
I’m excited to see this container fill out over the next few weeks. Alstroemerias are one of those plants that just keep on giving—so don’t be afraid to cut a few stems for the house. They’ll reward you with more blooms if you do!
If you’ve never grown Alstroemerias in a pot before, give it a go. They’re easy, reliable, and a real summer showstopper.
Let me know how you get on in the comments, or if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help!
