It has small multiple lily-like blooms on each stem commonly called the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is a South American genus of about 50 species of flowering plants. Almost all of the species are restricted to one of two distinct centers of diversity, one in central Chile, the other in eastern Brazil.

They grow two to three feet tall on strong, branched stems. Each trumpet-shaped flower is an inch or two in diameter. Flowers come in pink, rose, purple, yellow, cream, orange, and white. They are like miniature lilies, with spotted or striped markings, shaded color, or contrasting patches. Early in the summer, clusters of red flowers appear at the stem tips. The plant grows from clusters of white peanut-sized tubers arranged like the spokes of a wagon wheel. The stem is arrow-straight and the foliage is held in a horizontal position. The glistening parallel-veined pale green leaves tend to curl under at the edges and droop at the ends and always look a bit limp.

Care and Handling

• Plant Alstroemeria in full sun in well-drained soil.

• Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

• Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers.

• Set the plants 1 foot apart.

• Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

• Water well until soil is completely moist.

Flower Availability

Available all year round

Vase life of around 2 weeks