Bomarea hirtella

Bomarea is a genus of tuberous-rooted climbers in the Alstroemeria family.  The inverted, trumpet-shaped flowers and lance-shaped leaves of Bomarea bear similarities to Alstroemerias.  Featured for sale at Peacock Horticultural nursery, Bomarea hirtella is native to Mexico and grows 8 -12′ terminating with clusters of pink and chartreuse flowers.   Clusters of  attractive seed pods are produced in late autumn, opening to red-orange berries.   Bomareas also attract hummingbirds.

Bomarea hirtella

Bomarea hirtella prefers to grow in filtered light protected from afternoon sun in moist, humus-rich, well-draining soil.  I am growing this plant in my USDA zone 8b garden with great success.  The plants go dormant after the first frost, they return in the spring and bloom from summer through fall.  In colder climates, however, these vines can also be grown very successfully in a container and overwintered in a  protected spot.

Bomarea hirtella

Bomarea hirtella

Bomarea hirtella