Botanical Classification
The Peruvian Lily, scientifically known as Alstroemeria, belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family, a small family of flowering plants closely related to the Liliaceae family. The genus Alstroemeria comprises approximately 50–60 species, with Alstroemeria aurea and Alstroemeria ligtu being among the most significant for cultivation and hybridization.
Named after the Swedish botanist Clas Alströmer, who collected its seeds in the 18th century, the genus is classified as a monocotyledonous perennial, characterized by its tuberous roots and herbaceous growth. The plants are known for their vibrant, lily-like flowers, which have made them a staple in both ornamental gardening and the cut flower industry.
History
The history of Alstroemeria traces back to South America, where it was first documented by European explorers in the 18th century. Clas Alströmer, a student of Carl Linnaeus, encountered the plant during his travels in Chile and brought seeds back to Europe. Initially, Alstroemeria was grown as a curiosity in botanical gardens, but its potential as an ornamental plant became evident in the 19th century.
By the 20th century, extensive hybridization efforts, particularly in the Netherlands and the United States, transformed Alstroemeria into a commercially significant flower. Dutch breeders focused on developing compact, vibrant cultivars for the cut flower market, while others targeted garden varieties for home landscapes. Today, Alstroemeria is celebrated worldwide for its long-lasting blooms and versatility, with ongoing breeding to enhance color diversity, disease resistance, and cold hardiness.
Identifying Characteristics
Alstroemeria is easily recognized by its striking, funnel-shaped flowers, which resemble miniature lilies, earning it the common name Peruvian Lily. The flowers, typically 4–6 cm in diameter, grow in terminal clusters (umbels) and display a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and purple, often with contrasting streaks, spots, or stripes on the inner petals (tepals).
The outer tepals are broad and petal-like, while the inner ones are narrower, often with distinctive markings that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. The plants grow 30–90 cm tall, with erect or slightly arching stems and lance-shaped, glossy green leaves that are twisted (resupinate), giving them an upside-down appearance.
The tuberous root system stores nutrients, allowing the plant to survive dry periods and regrow annually. Flowers bloom profusely from late spring to summer, and each stem can produce multiple blooms with a vase life of 10–14 days.
Native Area & Habitat
Alstroemeria is native to South America, primarily found in Chile, Peru, and Brazil. The genus is divided into two main ecological groups: Chilean species, which thrive in Mediterranean-like climates with wet winters and dry summers, and Brazilian species, which prefer tropical or subtropical conditions with consistent moisture.
In Chile, species like Alstroemeria aurea grow in temperate regions, including grassy hillsides, forest edges, and coastal areas, favoring well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils. Brazilian species, such as Alstroemeria caryophyllaea, are adapted to humid, forested environments. The plants typically grow in full sun to partial shade, often in open, grassy habitats or along riverbanks, where their tuberous roots can access moisture while avoiding waterlogging.
Distribution
Originally confined to South America, Alstroemeria has been widely distributed globally due to its popularity in horticulture. Commercial cultivation is concentrated in countries with favorable climates or advanced greenhouse systems, including the Netherlands, Colombia, Ecuador, and the United States. In the Netherlands, Alstroemeria is a major cut flower crop, grown in greenhouses for year-round production.
In South America, particularly Colombia and Ecuador, large-scale cultivation supports the global floral market. The plant is also grown as a garden perennial in temperate regions, including Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia, where it thrives in USDA zones 7–10. In colder climates, it is often grown in containers or lifted and stored over winter to protect the tubers from frost.
Landscape and Other Uses
In landscaping, Alstroemeria is prized for its vibrant, long-blooming flowers and versatility. It is commonly used in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and container plantings, where its colorful blooms add a tropical flair. Compact cultivars are ideal for small gardens or patios, while taller varieties suit the back of borders or as focal points.
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it adaptable to various garden settings. Beyond landscaping, Alstroemeria is a cornerstone of the cut flower industry, valued for its long vase life and ability to pair well with other flowers in bouquets and arrangements, especially for weddings and events.
The flowers are also used in dried arrangements, as some cultivars retain their color when dried. While not typically used for medicinal or culinary purposes, Alstroemeria has cultural significance in some regions, symbolizing friendship and devotion due to its enduring blooms.
List of Cultivars
Alstroemeria cultivars have been extensively developed to cater to both garden and cut flower markets, with variations in height, color, and bloom size. Below is a detailed list of notable cultivars, grouped by series or type where applicable:
Inca Series (compact, ideal for gardens and containers)
- Inca Ice: Creamy apricot with yellow accents, 30–45 cm tall, cold-hardy.
- Inca Joli: Bright red with yellow markings, compact and floriferous.
- Inca Glow: Soft pink with darker pink streaks, suited for small spaces.
- Inca Bandit: Deep red with gold spotting, vibrant and long-blooming.
Princess Series (compact, garden-focused)
- Princess Sara: Pale pink with yellow centers, 25–30 cm, great for pots.
- Princess Kate: Pure white with subtle green tips, elegant and versatile.
- Princess Fabiana: Creamy white with yellow markings, compact and sturdy.
- Princess Diana: Bright yellow with red streaks, eye-catching in borders.
Inticancha Series (ultra-compact, modern hybrids)
- Inticancha Maya: White with pink and yellow markings, 20–30 cm tall.
- Inticancha Passion: Purple with white centers, ideal for containers.
- Inticancha Diva: Orange with yellow accents, vibrant and heat-tolerant.
Hybrid Cut Flower Varieties
- Virginia: Pure white, large flowers, popular for wedding bouquets.
- Rebecca: Bright pink with yellow and white streaks, long vase life.
- Cahors: Deep red with gold spotting, striking for floral arrangements.
- Flaming Star: Orange-red with yellow centers, bold and long-lasting.
Species-Derived Cultivars
- Alstroemeria aurea ‘Lutea’: Bright yellow, tall (60–90 cm), garden classic.
- Alstroemeria ligtu hybrids: Mixed colors (pink, red, white), naturalizing in gardens.
- Alstroemeria psittacina: Red with green tips, spreading habit, good for ground cover.
Other Notable Cultivars
- Indian Summer: Bronze-orange with yellow, 60–70 cm, heat-tolerant.
- Summer Breeze: Yellow with orange-red tips, vigorous and floriferous.
- Colorita Lilian: Lilac-pink with yellow markings, compact for containers.
- Sweet Laura: Yellow with red streaks, fragrant, a rare scented cultivar.
These cultivars reflect the diversity of Alstroemeria, with breeders focusing on compact growth for gardens, vibrant colors for cut flowers, and improved disease resistance. The choice of cultivar depends on the intended use—garden display, container planting, or floral arrangements—with each offering unique aesthetic qualities.
Cultivation of Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria)
Plant Selection and Propagation
Alstroemeria is most commonly propagated by dividing its tuberous rhizomes, as this ensures true-to-type plants and faster establishment than seeds. Select healthy, disease-free tubers from reputable nurseries or divide established clumps in early spring or fall. Each division should have 2–3 growth points (eyes) for robust growth.
Seeds can be used but are slow, taking 12–18 months to bloom, and require stratification (4–6 weeks at 4°C/39°F) to improve germination. Choose cultivars like those in the Inca or Princess series for specific traits like compact size or vibrant colors.
Soil Requirements
Peruvian Lilies thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
Sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal, as Alstroemeria is prone to root rot in heavy, waterlogged soils. For container cultivation, use a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite for drainage. In garden beds, raised beds can enhance drainage in areas with clay soils.
Light and Temperature
Alstroemeria prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering. In hotter climates, afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch and prolongs bloom life.
Ideal daytime temperatures range from 18–24°C (65–75°F), with nighttime temperatures above 10°C (50°F). The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7–10 but requires winter protection (mulching or lifting tubers) in colder regions, as it is sensitive to frost below -5°C (23°F).
Planting
Plant tubers in spring after the last frost or in fall in mild climates. Dig holes 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) deep and space tubers 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart to allow for spreading. Place tubers with growth points facing upward, covering with 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) of soil.
In containers, use pots at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep to accommodate the tuberous root system. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment.
Watering Practices
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season, as Alstroemeria prefers even moisture. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on climate and soil type, allowing the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil to dry between waterings.
Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, and use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficient delivery. Reduce watering in fall as plants enter dormancy, especially in colder climates where tubers are left in the ground.
Fertilization
Feed Alstroemeria with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 15-15-15) every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to summer). Alternatively, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote excessive foliage at the expense of flowers. Phosphorus-rich fertilizers (e.g., 5-10-10) can enhance bloom production. For cut flower production, additional potassium supports stem strength and flower longevity.
Mulching
Apply a 5–7 cm (2–3 inch) layer of organic mulch, such as bark or compost, around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch is especially important in hot climates to keep roots cool and in cold climates to protect tubers from freezing.
Avoid piling mulch directly against stems to prevent rot. Refresh mulch annually to maintain its benefits and improve soil health over time.
Pruning and Deadheading
Regular deadheading of spent flowers encourages continuous blooming and keeps plants tidy. Cut faded flower stems back to the base or just above a leaf node to stimulate new growth.
In late fall or after the first frost, cut back foliage to 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) above ground to prepare for dormancy. For vigorous plants, thin out crowded stems in spring to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.
Pest and Disease Management
Alstroemeria is susceptible to pests like slugs, snails, aphids, and spider mites, which can be controlled with organic methods like hand-picking, diatomaceous earth, or neem oil.
Fungal diseases such as botrytis (gray mold) and root rot are common in humid or poorly drained conditions. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides if needed. Regularly inspect plants and remove affected parts promptly to prevent spread.
Support Structures
Taller Alstroemeria cultivars, especially those grown for cut flowers, may require staking to prevent stems from flopping under the weight of blooms. Install bamboo stakes, cages, or netting when plants reach 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) tall.
For commercial production, horizontal netting with 15 cm (6-inch) squares is commonly used to support multiple stems. Secure stems loosely to allow natural movement while maintaining an upright habit.
Division and Maintenance
Divide Alstroemeria clumps every 2–3 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor. In early spring or fall, carefully dig up tubers, separate them into sections with healthy growth points, and replant immediately.
Replant divisions at the same depth as the original plant, spacing them adequately. Regular division also helps manage the plant’s spreading habit, as some species can become invasive in favorable conditions.
Greenhouse Cultivation
For year-round production or in cold climates, Alstroemeria is often grown in greenhouses. Maintain temperatures of 18–22°C (65–72°F) during the day and 10–15°C (50–59°F) at night, with 50–60% humidity.
Provide 12–14 hours of light using supplemental lighting (e.g., LED or high-pressure sodium lamps) in winter. Greenhouses allow precise control over irrigation, fertilization, and pest management, resulting in high-quality cut flowers with extended bloom periods.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Care
For cut flowers, harvest Alstroemeria when 1–2 flowers per stem are open, typically in the morning when stems are turgid. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle with clean shears and place immediately in lukewarm water with floral preservative.
Remove lower leaves to prevent rot in water. Store cut flowers at 2–4°C (36–39°F) in a cooler to extend vase life, which can last 10–14 days. Recut stems and change vase water every 2–3 days to maintain freshness.