Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’: A Vibrant Perennial with Variegated Foliage
Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’, also called Rock & Roll Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is a bold perennial that combines striking foliage with flamboyant blooms. This cultivar belongs to the family Alstroemeriaceae and was bred for ornamental use in both gardens and containers. Its cream-and-green variegated leaves add visual drama even before the scarlet-orange flowers arrive, and its compact form makes it a showstopper in mixed borders, planters, and cutting gardens. Gardeners prize it for a long flowering season, from spring into fall, and for its resilience in a wide range of climates.
Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’ Origins and Background
The genus Alstroemeria takes its name from the Swedish botanist Claus von Alstroemer, who introduced the plant to Europe in the 18th century after discovering it in South America. Native to Chile, Brazil, and Peru, Peruvian Lilies thrive in the well-drained soils and temperate climates of mountainous regions. Through selective breeding, hybrids such as ‘Rock & Roll®’ emerged, offering extended bloom times, improved disease resistance, and eye-catching colors.
Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’ (registered as Alstroemeria x ‘AlsDun01’) is a patented variety, which means gardeners may grow it freely but cannot propagate it for sale without permission under the Plant Patent Act. This status highlights the years of specialized breeding required to achieve its unique traits—especially its dazzling variegated leaves and exceptionally long bloom period.
Distinctive Flowers of Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’
The flowers are the star attraction of Rock & Roll Peruvian Lily. Their scarlet-red to crimson petals glow with golden yellow throats, often flecked with burgundy spots. Each bloom resembles a small trumpet lily, about 7 cm (2¾ inches) across, and they appear in clusters at the tips of leafy stems.
Florists value these blooms because they hold exceptionally well in vases, often lasting two weeks or more. They add a fiery burst of color to cut flower arrangements and symbolize friendship and devotion, making them especially popular in wedding bouquets.
The Foliage That Sets ‘Rock & Roll®’ Apart
While the flowers draw attention, the foliage is equally impressive. The leaves emerge in creamy white with green margins, creating a bold variegated effect that brightens garden beds and containers even when the plant is not in bloom. Unlike many other Alstroemeria varieties, ‘Rock & Roll®’ has foliage that is showy enough to make the plant ornamental year-round in frost-free climates.
Bloom Season and Growth Habit
One of the strongest features of Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’ is its long flowering season. Starting in spring and continuing until early fall, it produces blooms in waves, especially if gardeners remove spent flowers promptly. Its moderate growth habit allows it to reach about 1.5 m (5 ft.) tall and 1.8–2.4 m (6–8 ft.) wide under favorable conditions. Despite this size, its growth is compact and bushy, making it suitable for smaller spaces as well as large borders.
How to Grow Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’
Light Requirements
Plant Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’ in a location with full sun to partial shade. In cooler climates, full sun encourages more blooms, while in hotter regions, some afternoon shade helps protect the foliage from scorching. Aim for at least six hours of direct light daily.
Soil Needs
This Peruvian Lily thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 works best. Amend heavy clay with compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure to improve drainage. In containers, use a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Watering Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, delivering about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water. Check by pressing your finger into the soil; if the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) feels dry, it is time to water. Container-grown plants dry faster and may require daily watering during hot weather. Always water at the base to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilizing for Continuous Blooms
Feed Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’ with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring. During the flowering season, switch to a high-potassium fertilizer every two to three weeks to encourage more blooms. Container plants benefit from monthly liquid feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
Mulching and Temperature Care
Spread 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few centimeters away from the crown to prevent rot. In USDA zones 7–10, plants usually overwinter outdoors with only light mulch protection. In colder zones, dig and store tubers in a cool, dry place until spring.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadheading encourages continuous bloom. Instead of cutting, pull spent flower stems near the base to stimulate new growth from underground rhizomes. In late winter or early spring, prune away old foliage and weak stems to refresh the plant. For container plants, trim back stems after each flush of flowers to maintain a neat shape.
Propagation
Propagation of patented plants like Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’ is legally restricted, so gardeners should not divide or reproduce plants for commercial use. However, clumps naturally expand over time, and home gardeners can rejuvenate established clumps by dividing every three years in early spring.
Pests and Diseases
Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’ is relatively resistant to pests. However, aphids, spider mites, thrips, slugs, and snails may appear. Insecticidal soap or neem oil controls small infestations, while hand-picking works for slugs and snails.
Diseases usually occur in overly wet soil. Root rot and Botrytis blight develop if drainage is poor or air circulation is limited. Prevent these problems by planting in well-drained soil, spacing plants adequately, and avoiding overhead watering. Mosaic viruses, which cause irregular mottling on leaves, cannot be cured; affected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Winter Care
In zones 8–10, Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’ usually remains evergreen. In zone 7, protect crowns with a thick layer of mulch in late fall. In colder climates, dig up tubers after the first frost and store them at 1–5°C (35–41°F) in peat moss or sawdust. For containers, move pots indoors to a frost-free garage or shed and water sparingly until spring.
Landscaping with Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’
This variety adapts to many garden styles. Its variegated leaves provide contrast in mixed perennial borders, while its flowers create striking color accents in tropical or cottage gardens. Plant it near paths or patios to enjoy both foliage and flowers up close. It performs equally well in terra cotta pots, window boxes, or large urns. As a cutting garden plant, it is unmatched for continuous bouquets through summer and fall.
Lore and Symbolism
In its native South America, Alstroemeria symbolizes friendship, devotion, and lasting bonds. Its introduction to Europe gave rise to its popularity in wedding bouquets and celebratory arrangements. The combination of showy flowers and symbolic meaning makes ‘Rock & Roll®’ a plant that carries both beauty and sentiment.
Final Thoughts
Alstroemeria ‘Rock & Roll®’ stands out among perennials for its spectacular foliage and prolonged flowering season. With the right care—sunlight, consistent moisture, and good soil—it rewards gardeners with vibrant blooms from late spring until fall. Its resilience, long vase life, and ornamental leaves make it equally valuable in garden beds, decorative containers, or floral arrangements. If you want a perennial that combines drama, reliability, and versatility, the Rock & Roll Peruvian Lily deserves a prime spot in your garden.
