Nature loves a good party - and what better way to decorate it than with Bomarea acutifolia!  This rare, vining Alstroemeria relative comes from the cool mountains of southern Mexico.  Practically all year, it makes loads of showy clusters of yellow-skirted, salmon-orange flowers.  This beautiful species is very hard-to-find.

Bomarea acutifolia is a tuberous perennial species with long, twining shoots that can reach 20 feet or more.  Give it something to climb around, like a large trellis or bush.  The slender foliage is very attractive, looking somewhat like bamboo leaves.  On a mature plant, the flower clusters are produced virtually non-stop throughout the year.  Each cluster averages 15 to 25 flowers, but older vines can have 50 or more flowers per cluster, and up to a dozen clusters at a time!   The yellow inner petals are speckled, like with Alstroemerias.  The plant is evergreen in mild-winter areas, and doesn't go dormant like some Bomareas.

Bomarea acutifolia prefers moderate temperatures, with cooler nights.  It may not thrive in areas that regularly get over 85°F (29°C), especially if nights are warm.  It should be protected from frost (Zone 9-11).  It is probably root-hardy in Zone 8, but the foliage will be killed by frost.  It prefers tree-filtered sun, since it comes from forests.  You can grow it in a container and move it to a greenhouse or sunroom over the winter.  It does well in well-draining potting soil, with regular watering and feeding.

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Germination tips for this plant