Peruvian Lily

Peruvian Lily Overview

Alstroemeria is a genus of herbaceous perennials that form spreading clumps of erect stems bearing narrow, lance-shaped leaves. In summer, they produce prolific umbels of beautiful funnel-shaped flowers - often spotted or streaked - that come in numerous colours. Also known as Inca lilies, they spread naturally and are generally grown in mixed/herbaceous borders. Some species are very popular as cut flowers. These fleshy-rooted plants from the mountain screes and grasslands of South America are also available as dwarf varieties which are best grown under glass as alpines. Alstroemeria foliage may exacerbate skin allergies. Inca lilies need well-draining soil and should not be left to sit in waterlogged soil as the fleshy tubers are prone to rotting. Inca lilies enjoy a position in full morning sun and some shade in the afternoon. During the growing season, feed your Alstroemerias with a high potash fertilizer once every week to encourage flowering. Stems that are done flowering can be removed by twisting it at the base of the plant, and flowers can be deadheaded to prevent seed formation. Also be sure to mulch well around the roots, especially in colder regions. Inca lilies are easy to propagate via division.