Peruvian Lily

A tuberous perennial producing exotic lily-like flowers in vibrant yellows, oranges, pinks, and bicolors that last up to two weeks as cut flowers. Alstroemeria stems should be pulled rather than cut from the base to stimulate new growth. Mulch heavily in winter to protect the shallow tubers from frost in colder zones.

Alstroemeria can be grown from seed, but germination is slow and erratic. Sow seeds in moist compost and cold-stratify for four to six weeks before providing warmth at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds may take four to twelve weeks to germinate. Seedlings grow slowly and typically flower in their second or third year. Division of established clumps in spring is a much faster propagation method, producing flowering plants the same or following season.

Plant alstroemeria tubers in spring, setting them six to eight inches deep with the growing points facing up, spacing them twelve inches apart in rich, well-drained soil. Choose a location in full sun to light afternoon shade with shelter from strong winds. The deep planting depth is critical for winter survival in cooler zones and helps prevent the tuberous roots from heaving out of the ground.

Water regularly during the growing season, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Feed every two to three weeks with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer once growth is established to promote abundant flowering. A thick mulch of straw or bark in late autumn provides critical winter protection in zones 7 and 8.

The key to keeping alstroemeria blooming is to pull stems from the base rather than cutting them. Grasp the stem near the ground and give a firm, twisting pull to detach it cleanly from the tuberous root. This stimulates the production of new flowering shoots from the root system. Cutting stems instead of pulling actually reduces future flower production. Once established, alstroemeria becomes increasingly productive each year.

Alstroemeria combines beautifully with roses, dahlias, and ornamental grasses in mixed borders. Plant in front of taller perennials and behind low edging plants for a tiered effect. In cutting gardens, grow alongside other long-lasting cut flowers like zinnias and snapdragons. The exotic, lily-like flowers add a tropical feel to temperate garden plantings. Avoid crowding with aggressive spreaders that might compete with the expanding tuberous root system.

Alstroemeria thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the planting area with compost and ensure drainage is excellent, as the tuberous roots are sensitive to waterlogging. Feed every two to three weeks with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Apply a balanced granular fertilizer in early spring. In containers, use a premium potting mix with added perlite and feed weekly during active growth.

Ideal Temperature

Hardiness Zone Compatibility

Pull alstroemeria stems from the base rather than cutting them, which stimulates new shoot production. Harvest when the first one or two florets in the cluster have opened and the upper buds are still coloring. Pulled stems last an exceptional ten to fourteen days in clean water, making alstroemeria one of the longest-lasting cut flowers available. Remove any foliage that would sit below the waterline. The flowers do not wilt gracefully and should be discarded when petals begin to drop.

Storage & Preservation

Alstroemeria tubers should remain in the ground year-round within their hardiness range, protected by deep mulch in winter. If lifting is necessary, dig carefully in autumn, divide tubers gently, and store in barely damp peat moss at 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The cut flowers dry poorly and are not suitable for preservation. For propagation, divide established clumps in spring or early autumn, ensuring each division has several growing points.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

The most common mistake is cutting stems instead of pulling them, which dramatically reduces future flower production. Winter hardiness is limited, and tubers may be lost in severe winters without adequate mulch protection in zones 7 and 8. Shallow planting is another frequent error, as tubers need to be set six to eight inches deep for best performance and winter survival. Contact with the foliage can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Growing Tips

1. Plant Alstroemeria tubers 15-20 cm deep in well-drained soil enriched with compost. Deep planting protects the roots from temperature extremes and helps anchor the tall stems against wind.
2. Choose a position in full sun to partial shade. In regions with hot summers above 30 degrees Celsius, afternoon shade is beneficial as excessive heat causes plants to stop flowering and enter premature dormancy.
3. Pull flowering stems from the base rather than cutting them with shears. Grasping the stem near soil level and giving a firm steady pull removes the entire stem from the rhizome and triggers the plant to produce replacement shoots more quickly than cutting.
4. Remove blind or non-flowering stems by pulling them from the base as well. These unproductive stems consume energy that could otherwise fuel flower production, and removing them keeps the clump tidy and vigorous.
5. Water deeply once or twice per week rather than frequent shallow watering. Alstroemeria roots reach 20-30 cm below the surface, and deep watering encourages the root system to develop fully. Avoid waterlogging which causes tuber rot.
6. Apply a balanced granular fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges, then switch to a high-potassium liquid feed every two to three weeks once flower buds begin forming. Potassium promotes strong stems and vivid flower color.
7. Mulch around plants with 5-8 cm of organic material to maintain cool, even soil moisture and suppress competing weeds. Keep mulch a few centimeters away from the crown to prevent stem rot at the base.
8. Divide overcrowded clumps every three to four years in early spring or after flowering finishes in autumn. Carefully lift the entire clump with a garden fork, separate into sections with three to five tubers each, and replant immediately at the original depth.
9. In cold climates where winter temperatures drop below minus 7 degrees Celsius, apply a thick protective mulch layer of 10-15 cm of straw or shredded leaves over the root zone after the first hard frost to insulate the tubers from freeze damage.
10. When conditioning freshly cut stems for arrangements, strip all foliage that would sit below the waterline, recut the stem base at an angle, and place immediately in clean water with floral preservative. Change the vase water every three days to maximize the 14 to 21 day vase life.