Alstroemeria ‘Inca Bandit’ is a distinctive Peruvian Lily cultivar, known for its attractive variegated foliage and vibrant flowers. This plant offers a continuous display of color, making it a desirable addition to gardens and containers. Its long blooming season contributes to its appeal for gardeners.
Understanding ‘Inca Bandit’ Alstroemeria
‘Inca Bandit’ Alstroemeria features green foliage, sometimes with bluish-green hints. Its striking, trumpet-shaped flowers are vibrant scarlet or red with creamy white overtones and black spots or freckles, resembling whiskers, near the throat. These blooms emerge from early to late summer and can re-bloom until the first frosts.
This cultivar exhibits a compact, bushy, and upright growth habit, typically reaching 10-14 inches tall and spreading 14-16 inches wide. Its size makes it suitable for borders, mass plantings, and container gardening. ‘Inca Bandit’ offers a long blooming season, vibrant color, and versatility as a long-lasting cut flower. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while being deer and rabbit resistant.
Planting and Ongoing Care
Site Selection and Soil
‘Inca Bandit’ Alstroemeria thrives in full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter climates to prevent scorching. They prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter, though they adapt to average garden soils. Proper drainage is important, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Inca Bandit’ Alstroemeria, especially during dry periods and peak blooming season. The soil should be kept evenly moist but never soggy, as excessive moisture can cause root rot. Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering due to increased evaporation.
Fertilizing
During the active growing and blooming season, ‘Inca Bandit’ Alstroemeria benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, or a high potassium fertilizer weekly to support continuous blooming. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. A slow-release fertilizer can be incorporated in early spring.
Pruning and Deadheading
To encourage continuous blooming and maintain plant vigor, deadhead ‘Inca Bandit’ Alstroemeria. Gently pull spent flower stalks from the base of the plant instead of cutting them. This stimulates new growth and additional blooms from the rhizomes, and helps reduce congestion. Light pruning can maintain the plant’s shape and tidiness.
Addressing Common Challenges
Alstroemeria ‘Inca Bandit’ is resistant to many common garden issues, but challenges can arise. Pests like aphids, spider mites, slugs, and snails may affect the plant; manage infestations with appropriate organic or chemical controls.
Diseases are infrequent, but root rot is a concern, resulting from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensure well-drained conditions and avoid waterlogging as primary preventive measures. A lack of blooms can result from insufficient sunlight, nutrient deficiencies, or improper deadheading. Provide adequate light and nutrition, and correctly pull spent flower stems, to encourage more prolific flowering.
Winter Protection
Protecting ‘Inca Bandit’ Alstroemeria during winter depends on the local climate. This tender tuberous perennial is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10. In Zone 7, and potentially Zone 6 with protection, apply a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or pine needles, over the rhizomes in the fall. This insulates against cold temperatures and protects the roots, as frost can damage unprotected foliage and roots.
For gardeners in colder zones (below USDA Zone 7), ‘Inca Bandit’ is often grown as an annual or requires lifting rhizomes for winter storage. Before the first hard frost, carefully dig up the tuberous roots, allow them to dry slightly, and store them in a cool, dry, dark place, such as in a plastic bag with dry peat moss. Replant these stored rhizomes in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Potted plants in colder regions can be moved indoors to a cool, bright location for winter.