'Anouska' is the latest addition to the family of Dwarf Alstroemeria Princess Lilies® from Van Zanten Plants BV. Flowers 5-6cm in diameter are deep blue-purple in colour , a new colour to the family, and flowering is early to mid-early. Plant growth is 25-35 cm and the variety flowers well throughout the summer. Re-growth in the second year is said to be good. Princess Liliesâ grow from rhizomes. New shoots emerge continuously from the growing point of these rhizomes and it is important to give the rhizomes enough space to grow in the container. In the garden, the plants grow at their best in the full sun or half-shade. In the shade the plant does grow as well, but will produce fewer flowers. The height of the plants will be 20 — 30 cm which will be maintained in later years. Plants are genetically dwarf and do not require growth regulators. Princess Liliesâ are semi-winter hardy and can bear some frost. If you do not cover the plants about 70% will usually survive through the winter typical of Holland. If the plants are covered with straw almost all will survive. Plants in containers will freeze faster. To avoid this you must put the plants in a frost-free area during the winter. When the plants start to grow in the spring, they need extra fertilizer in order to grow more vigorously and to flower earlier. A mix of NPK 12:10:18 is most suitable. Plants are not particularly subject to insect pests and diseases but they d attract slugs and snails. For more information see article in "Clamer Informa" 10/2003 and contact: Van Zanten Plants www.royalvanzanten.com Italian Agent: C.P. de Winkel, tel 0031 229 57 3123, E-mail: plants@royalvanzanten.com