Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'
Alstroemeria ‘Indian Summer’ is a tall garden selection noted for its bronze‑purple foliage and vibrant copper‑orange flowers. Its standout feature is the foliage contrast, which keeps borders colorful even between flushes of bloom. Flowering typically runs from early summer into fall with deadheading. It grows best in North American gardens with full sun to part shade, fertile, well‑drained soil, and regular moisture. Expect larger plants and a longer bloom in mild, frost‑free climates; in colder zones it behaves as a hardy perennial with winter mulch.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Summer Paradise Series (garden alstroemeria)
- Height × spread: 36-48 in × 24-36 in (90-120 cm × 60-90 cm)
- Bloom window: early summer to fall
- Color & flower form: copper‑orange and yellow with burgundy streaks; lily‑like clusters
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 6-9 (varies by climate; protection improves survivability)
- Breeder / Year / Origin: VOF Hortipartners, 2014, Netherlands
- Awards/registration: US Plant Patent PP24,540 (as ‘Tesronto Imp’)
- Cut‑flower notes: strong stems; typical vase life about 7-14 days with proper care
- Pet safety: generally safe for cats and dogs
How it differs
- Bronze foliage gives season‑long color, unlike most green‑leaved forms.
- Taller, with showy clumps compared with compact patio series.
- Reliable summer‑through‑fall bloom in heat when watered and fed.
- Large, warm‑toned flowers versus the pastels common on many hardy types.
Strengths
- Striking foliage plus flowers.
- Long bloom in warm summers with deadheading.
- Good stem length for arrangements.
- Heat‑tolerant in full sun with moisture.
Care in one minute
- Sun to part shade; provide afternoon shade where summers are very hot.
- Plant in fertile, well‑drained soil; keep evenly moist.
- Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced fertilizer.
- Remove spent stalks at the base to extend bloom; stake if exposed to wind.
- Mulch well for winter in colder zones; avoid disturbing established clumps.
Watch‑outs
- Flowering may slow in peak summer heat, resuming as nights cool.
- Can sprawl in rich soil without periodic thinning or support.
- Root system is fleshy and brittle; avoid frequent division.
Best uses (tags)
- cutting
- borders
- focal
- pollinators
- heat‑tolerant
Provenance note
‘Indian Summer’ is a sport of ‘Tesronto’ discovered in 2008 and patented in 2014 as ‘Tesronto Imp’ by VOF Hortipartners (Netherlands). Marketed within the Summer Paradise series.
