This is a close look at the beautiful Alstroemeria isabellana.  This gorgeous South American species is quite different than the common florist's Alstroemeria.  Its radiating sprays of tubular blooms have an eye-catching color combination of pinkish-orange and green.  Each umbel can have 20 or more flowers - possibly the most of any Alstroemeria species.  This is a pretty hard-to-find plant.  I don't know any other U.S. source for it on the web.

Alstroemeria isabellana is a perennial species from southern Brazil to Argentina.  It grows during the summer, and can go dormant or partly dormant in winter.  Its foliage is very attractive.  It has arching shoots that grow about 2 feet long, looking somewhat like bamboo leaves.  In summer, the flower stalks appear, which are about 18 inches tall.  The vibrant blooms are almost 2 inches long, and open a few at a time, for a long flower show.  Each plant can put up several flower stalks during the summer.  They look surprisingly like the unrelated Phaedranassa.  This is a true species, not a hybrid.

Despite coming from subtropical areas with mild temperatures, it reportedly has taken temperatures in the 90s.  The underground rhizomes probably can survive down to 25 degrees or less if planted deep.  It grows well indoors in a pot, and may stay evergreen if grown inside.  It enjoys rich, well-draining soil that's kept evenly moist.  Mostly-sunny conditions are best, but some afternoon shade might be needed in warmer conditions.

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