Alstroemeria
( al - strem - MEER - ee - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, this perennial sprouts from tubers and its beautiful flowers will attract birds to your yard. They need afternoon shade in the hottest climates, but otherwise can take a lot of sun, and need regular water during growth and bloom. However, although these flowers are commonly called lilies, they are not true lilies and therefore are not toxic to pets. Cut flowers are great in fresh arrangements; cut Alstroemeria can survive in water for around two weeks before wilting. Almost all species of Alstroemeria are native to South America (mostly in Chile and Brazil). Take care when planting this flower in your garden, as it can cause skin issues in people who are allergic.
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Alstroemeria Species and Varietals
The genus Alstroemeria includes around 120 species and is a member of the family Alstroemeriaceae. The genus, first described by Johan Peter Falk was named by Carl Linnaeus after a friend of his, Clas Alstromer. These flowers grow best in zones 5-9, 14-24 and H1. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Alstroemeria aurea (Alstroemeria aurantiaca) (Yellow Alstroemeria) Native to Chile, this plant gets 3-4 feet tall and produces many leafy flowering stems topped with yellow, orange, or orange-red flowers. Blooms are speckled with darker flecks and stripes. Plant 8 inches deep and 1 foot apart. Once established, this plant is vigorous, to the point of being a bit invasive. Hardy to 14 degrees Fahrenheit; evergreen. |
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Alstroemeria Hybrids
These plants vary in height and come in many colors. The most common flower colors are purple, pink, and red with dark flecks. They are usually sold by color, so purchase these flowers when they are in bloom to ensure you're getting the one you want. Most hybrids will produce flowers if the soil temperatures are not too warm. Repeat blooms can be stimulated by pulling up the flowering stems from the base; if they are simply deadheaded (cut low) they will not rebloom. Best times to pick flowers for arrangements are in the cool months (spring and fall) when plants are growing the best.
These plants vary in height and come in many colors. The most common flower colors are purple, pink, and red with dark flecks. They are usually sold by color, so purchase these flowers when they are in bloom to ensure you're getting the one you want. Most hybrids will produce flowers if the soil temperatures are not too warm. Repeat blooms can be stimulated by pulling up the flowering stems from the base; if they are simply deadheaded (cut low) they will not rebloom. Best times to pick flowers for arrangements are in the cool months (spring and fall) when plants are growing the best.
'Apollo'
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'Cahors'
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'Coronet'
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'Friendship'
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'Orange Glory'
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'Phoenix'
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'Red Elf'
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'Sirius'
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'Sonata'
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'Tessa'
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'Yellow Friendship'
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Alstroemeria pelegrina (Peruvian Lily) This is the type species in the genus, and can reach up to between 8 and 24 inches tall when mature. Leaves are vivid green, and flowers are large and showy. Blooms are intensely pink with purple-pink centers and yellow markings on upper petals. |
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Alstroemeria psittacina (Alstroemeria pulchella) (Parrot Flower, Parrot Lily, Lily of the Incas, Princess Lily, New Zealand Christmas Bell) Odd but attractive evergreen flower that is native to Brazil. Flowering stems are 2.5 to 3 feet tall are topped by a few dark red flowers that are marked with green and blotched with dark purple. Travels by rhizomes, but is not invasive. Prefers partial to deep shaded areas. There is a variegated form available with leaves marked in white. |
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Caring for Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria likes to be planted in full sun conditions, though like many other plants if the weather gets too hot they can burn in this exposure. If they are not receiving enough light, they will tend to flop over and not flower as profusely. These flowering beauties prefer rich soil that is well-draining (their tuber roots will rot easily with too much moisture in the soil). They can handle short periods of drought once they are established; their roots will store enough moisture and nutrients for these times. When you are first planting your Alstroemeria, it is wise to add a bit of high-nitrogen water-soluble fertilizer (such as a 12-4-8). You can add this fertilizer when the plant is entering its blooming season in early springtime. As far as pruning these plants is concerned, simply deadhead spent blooms. Shearing the entire plant to the ground will cause stunted growth in the next growing season. These plants will form large colonies if not checked; divide plants every few years for best performance and to avoid overcrowding the planting area.
Propagation
These plants are not hard to propagate; division is the way to do it. If you'd like to expand your colony of Alstroemeria or share your plant with friends, you'll need a clean garden shovel, well-draining soil amended with compost, and an extra pot or two if you won't be immediately replanting your divisions in the garden. Once you've gathered your materials, follow the instructions below:
- Dig up your tuber clump, beginning a little outside the outer plants in the clump so you don't damage the tuberous roots. Once you've gotten your clump out of the ground, lay it out and fill in the void it has left with your amended well-draining soil.
- Divide your clump into as many sections as you'd like, being careful to keep a few healthy tubers in each root section.
- Replant your tuber clumps in individual pots, or in different spots in your garden, first filling your pot or amending your existing soil with new, well-draining rich soil. Water well.
- Even though this dividing process is necessary at times for the health of the plant, your divisions will not necessarily bloom in the first or even second season after this occurs. Alstroemeria tuber clumps do not perform well if the soil around them is disturbed. Continue to provide water and ensure that drainage is occurring as your divided plant grows, and enjoy watching it bloom.
Problems and Pests
Although these plants have not made any official entry onto invasive species lists, they are aggressive spreaders. Dig up tubers where you do not want these plants growing; if you leave even part of an underground tuber in a planting area, it may grow and multiply. If you are concerned about this issue becoming a problem in your yard, either contain the tubers with an underground barrier or simply plant your Alstromeria tubers in a pot. The common issues that affect Alstroemeria include:
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
- Whiteflies
- Snails
- Slugs
Gallery
Alstroemeria adds great container color to garden landscapes.
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Alstroemeria do great as cut flowers in arrangements.
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Alstromeria can be grown in beds around the yard, and can even be used as screening plants for foundations.
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Videos
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All about growing and caring for Alstroemerias.
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Growing Alstroemeria as cutting flowers.
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How to divide and propagate Alstroemeria.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 147 - 148, Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)
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