Alstroemeria, the Peruvian Lily

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Its buds open into flame-tongued, brightly coloured petals that recall the feathers of a bird-of-paradise, on clumps 12 to 32 inches (30 to 80 cm) tall. Grown in a bed or cut for the vase, where it outlasts almost every other flower, the Peruvian lily needs only light sun and shelter from wind.

Planting Alstroemeria

Before starting with the growing of Alstroemeria, best to start with young plants, already formed. These can be purchased in nursery pots, preferably during the months of mid-spring or late spring.

Alstroemeria directly in the ground

It is recommended to plant Alstroemeria in spring. Planting your alstroemeria in fall is possible if your climate has mild enough winters to permit it.

Whichever the option, always avoid days when the air is freezing cold or sweltering hot for planting.

• Bury the roots deep into the ground.
• Cover with a mix of soil mix and garden soil.
• Water regularly.

Since this plant can take slightly acidic soil, you can add both fresh and used coffee grounds in the garden.

Alstroemeria in pots

Repotting in spring will let the plant develop well.

Select a flower plant soil for this.

Protect the pot in winter because the roots will suffer more from the cold than if they had been directly planted in the ground.

Where should the Alstroemeria be set up?

This plant loves slightly shade-covered emplacements or sunny spots but that don’t get too hot.

Both in pots and directly in the ground, prefer light sun and a spot that seems sheltered enough from wind.

Propagating Alstroemeria

To keep your Alstroemeria as long as possible, proceed to divide the crown after the blooming.  Take care while handling the roots, because they are quite fragile.

Alstroemeria division is preferably performed on specimens that are at least 2 or 3 years old.

• When lifting dahlias, push a garden fork into the soil well outside the crown and raise the whole clump, so the brittle tubers come up attached to it rather than snapping off.
• Each division should keep at least one visible growth bud, or eye, attached to at least one firm tuber; a single healthy tuber with one eye suffices, while eyeless pieces rarely sprout.
• Divisions of many perennials dry out quickly once lifted, so replant them promptly, ideally the same day; otherwise keep them shaded and moist in damp compost, sand or newspaper until planting.

Pruning and caring for Alstroemeria

Once properly settled in, Alstroemeria, Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas only requires very little attention and care.

After the planting, it bodes well to water regularly. Do so without excess so that roots don’t get flooded, we’ve seen they were quite fragile.

Afterwards, every spring, add flower plant fertilizer in order to intensify the blooming.

Pruning Alstroemeria

• Eliminate stems with wilted flowers regularly.
• Cut back as short as you can once the leaves have withered, and not before this.

In case of winter that is colder than usual, it is best to protect the base of the plant with dead leaf mulch.

All there is to know about the Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria is a flower that belongs to the Liliaceae or lily family, or to the Alstroemeriaceae family depending on the classification.

Its buds open up to reveal flame-tongued and brightly colored petals that remind us of bird-of-paradise feathers.

Any other reason to fall in love with Alstroemeria? It symbolizes friendship.

It is often called Lily of the Incas or Peruvian Lily because of its geographical point of origin. Indeed, the Andes mountain range is where it particularly feels at home.

Among the main Alstroemeria species, one can find

• Alstroemeria aurea – Lily of the Incas
• Alstroemeria hybrid
• Alstroemeria ‘Indian Summer’
• Alstroemeria ligtu var Ligtu
• Alstroemeria pelegrina L.
• Alstroemeria psittacina Lehm.
• Alstroemeria pulchella L. f.
• Alstroemeria ‘Summertime’

In a flower bed or as a cut flower in a vase, it is extremely striking.

Which alstroemeria to choose

Beyond the species, most alstroemerias sold in garden centres are hybrids, ranging from knee-high patio types to tall border plants grown for cutting. Height and flower colour are what usually decide the choice.