Powerhouse Alstroemeria Hybrids: Year-Round Blooms & Business Success

San Diego Horticultural Society member Liz Youngflesh turned a passion for alstroemerias into Garden Glories Nursery after garden designer Bill Teague discovered exceptional varieties at a Central California wholesale grower. These "power hybrids" are vigorous, bloom profusely year-round, and surpass standard evergreen alstroemerias—growing 3–4 feet tall with blossoms 2–3 times larger, ½-inch-thick stems, and cut flowers lasting two weeks.

Standout Varieties

Popular varieties include white 'Casablanca', magenta 'Jupiter', soft orange 'Third Harmonic', 'Tri Color', and Youngflesh's own introduction 'Jena' (a blend of white, green, and lavender-pink).

Growing & Harvesting

Alstroemerias thrive inland and coastally with full sun to part shade, rich soil, mulch, and regular water. Encourage repeat bloom by pulling out spent stems (not cutting). Youngflesh sells at San Diego Horticultural Society meetings, Del Mar Fairgrounds garden shows, and her home nursery.

Info: Garden Glories Nursery (by appointment; 1356 Douglas Dr., Vista; 858/449-5342)