Peruvian lily.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Perennial

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

1 to 3 feet tall and wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 5 to 9

Bloom time

Late spring to fall

Care

Alstroemeria prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers, and protecting them from harsh winds is beneficial.

Watering

Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing season.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back dead foliage in fall.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years in spring when roots fill the pot.

Soil

Well-draining, fertile loam

Soil pH

5.5 to 6.5

Temperature

7 to 24°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Safety

People

Alstroemeria is not considered toxic to humans if ingested in small amounts, but it can cause mild stomach upset.

Pets

Mildly toxic to pets if ingested, causing stomach upset.

Children

While not highly toxic, ingestion of plant parts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in children.

Contact allergens

The sap can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

Pollen may cause respiratory irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

• Trumpet-shaped flowers
• Often have contrasting streaks or spots
• Lance-shaped leaves
• Clumping rhizomatous growth
• Comes in many colors

Height

0.3 to 0.9m

Spread

0.3 to 0.9m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

pink, red, orange, yellow, white, purple, 3 to 5cm

Common problems

• Spider Mites — Tiny pests that thrive in dry conditions, causing stippling on leaves and fine webbing.
• Aphids — Small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken the plant and spread disease.
• Root Rot — Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to wilting and yellowing leaves.
• Leaf Spot — Fungal or bacterial infections that cause discolored spots on the foliage.

Growing it

Propagation

division, seed

When to plant

spring, fall

Overwintering

In colder climates, protect the roots by applying a thick layer of mulch after the foliage has died back. In very cold regions, consider lifting the tubers and storing them in a cool, dry place over winter, replanting in spring.

In containers

Alstroemeria grows well in containers, especially dwarf varieties. A pot at least 12 inches in diameter is recommended to allow for root development.

Plant Alstroemeria with companions that appreciate consistent moisture and good drainage, avoiding overly aggressive spreaders.

Grows well with

• Salvia — Salvia's upright growth habit and long blooming season complement Alstroemeria, and they share similar light and moisture needs.
• Coreopsis — Coreopsis adds cheerful, daisy-like flowers and its drought tolerance can be beneficial in mixed borders where Alstroemeria prefers consistent moisture.
• Heuchera — Heuchera provides attractive foliage color and texture, creating a nice contrast with Alstroemeria's blooms, and they both appreciate well-drained soil.
• Geranium — Hardy geraniums offer a mounding habit and continuous blooms that pair well with Alstroemeria, and they generally have similar care requirements.

Keep away from

• Mint — Mints are highly invasive and can quickly overwhelm and outcompete Alstroemeria for resources.
• Groundcovers with aggressive spread — Aggressive groundcovers can choke out Alstroemeria, competing for light, water, and nutrients.

Similar species

• Daylily — Both offer showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and are popular choices for borders, though Daylilies are generally more drought-tolerant.
• Lily — True lilies share a similar elegance and bloom form, but Alstroemeria typically blooms for a longer period and is often easier to grow in varied conditions.
• Canna Lily — Both provide bold, tropical-looking blooms, but Canna Lilies require warmer conditions and more consistent moisture than Alstroemeria.

Science

Family

Alstroemeriaceae

Genus

Alstroemeria

Order

Liliales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

South America (primarily Chile and Brazil)

Conservation

Alstroemeria is not currently listed as endangered or of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, Alstroemeria often grows in moist, well-drained soils in mountainous regions, benefiting from good air circulation.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Uses

ornamental, cut flowers

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water Alstroemeria?

Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.

What kind of soil do they prefer?

They prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter.

Can Alstroemeria be grown in containers?

Yes, they can be grown in containers, provided the pot is large enough and has good drainage.

Do Alstroemeria need deadheading?

Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowering and keeps the plant looking tidy.

Are Alstroemeria perennial?

Yes, in suitable climates, Alstroemeria are perennial and will return year after year.

Where the name comes from

The genus name, Alstroemeria, honors Swedish baron Clas Alströmer, a student of Carl Linnaeus who introduced the plant to Europe. The common name, Peruvian lily, refers to its native region.

Good to know

• Alstroemeria flowers can last for up to two weeks in a vase.
• They are native to South America, primarily found in Brazil and Chile.
• The plant's name honors Swedish baron Clas Alströmer, a friend of Carl Linnaeus.
• Some varieties have speckled or striped petals, adding to their unique appeal.