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Alstroemeria, commonly called the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is a South American genus of about 50 species of flowering tuberous or rhizomatous plants. It was named after the Swedish baron Clas Alströmer (Claus von Alstroemer). The plant’s seeds were among many collected by Alströmer on a trip to South America in 1753.
Alstroemeria is a stunning flower that is very popular in bouquets and fresh cut-flower arrangements, having a vase life of about two weeks. The flower, which resembles a miniature lily, ranges in color from white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple and lavender depending on the season.
These exotic, lily-like flowers make lovely additions to mixed beds and borders as well as interesting container plants. Mature plants will reach up to 3 feet tall.
Alstroemerias love sun and a good well-drained soil. Too much shade will give you plants that are tall and floppy with weak stems. Alstroemerias also enjoy a good level of fertilizer and plenty of regular watering throughout their growing season. If you let your plants get too dry, the foliage will turn yellow and look unattractive. Alstroemeria should bloom most of the spring and summer.
Alstroemerias multiply rapidly through underground rhizome-like tubers. Alstroemerias have two kinds of growth. The first growth to appear doesn’t make flowers. This growth is shorter and thinner than the flower stems that come up later. If you have too much of this growth, you can thin it out by pulling them up. If you look carefully at a plant that has flowers, you will see that the flower stems are taller, thicker, and have more space between the places where leaves come out. At the end of the season, Alstroemerias will go into dormancy, returning year after year with ever-increasing beauty.
Divide and replant Alstroemerias in late summer or fall. Dig the clump of roots and shake off the soil. Once you have replanted the divisions, water thoroughly and then leave them alone. Alstroemerias are not cold-hardy and will freeze. If you have occasional heavy frost, you need to cover your plants in winter with a thick layer of mulch such as dry straw or shavings.
There are not many threats to worry with in regard to disease or pest problems; however, slugs and snails do occasionally enjoy feeding on Alstroemeria plants.