These long-lasting cut flowers come in an abundance of colors.
Edward Gohlich
The cut flower of all cut flowers, alstroemeria is a staple flower formixed bouquets.
The flowers of the alstroemeria are so interesting and diverse that they are often likened to orchid flowers.
Credit:Edward Gohlich
There is a huge variety of color combinations to choose from.
including multicolored varieties with brushstrokes of color.
The center three petals on these beautiful blooms feature streaks and speckles that are almost reminiscent of whiskers.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Alstroemeria is toxic to humans.
Alstroemeria is native to South America and has naturalized in the U.S.
Although the plants have not been classified as invasive, they do have a reputation for spreading aggressively.
Credit: Jo-Ann Richards
Thoroughly dig up the tubers in unwanted areas.
If you leave a single tuber behind, a new plant may regrow from it.
Alternatively, plant alstroemeria in pots to contain their spread.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Gently tamp down the soil and water well.
Space plants 1.5 to 2 feet apart, depending on the mature size of the variety.
Alstroemeria Care Tips
Alstroemeria is easy to grow.
Credit: Mike Jensen
Light
For the best display of flowers, grow these plants infull sun.
Soil and Water
Plant alstroemeria in moist butwell-drained soilwith apH between 5.5 and 6.3.
Because of their fleshy tuberous roots, alstroemerias are likely to rot in too much water.
They thrive with consistent moisture, especially during flowering.
Once the plants are established, they tolerate short droughts without a problem.
The tubers allow the plants to store nutrients and water for times of need.
This allows the plants todeal with droughtand other stressful periods better than most.
Temperature and Humidity
Alstroemerias are not winter-hardy below USDA Zone 6.
Their ideal growing temperature ranges between 65 to 80F.
They do not have any particular humidity needs.
Fertilizer
Instead of cutting the flowers from the stem, as you would other cut flowers.
pull the entire stem out of the plant.
Grasp a flower stalk at its base and pull it out.
This method encourages the plant to form new shoots at the base.
Cutting the stem halfway down can slow the growth of the plant.
Use a container with large drainage holes and fill it with a mixture of well-draining potting mix and compost.
Keep in mind that container plants need more frequent watering than plants in garden soil.
Although alstroemeria is winter-hardy to Zone 6, growing it in a container exposes the roots to the cold.
Pests and Problems
Alstroemeria is susceptible toaphids, spider mites, whiteflies, snails, andslugs.
When planted in overly wet conditions, it is susceptible to root rot.
see to it that each section includes healthy tubers.
Replant them in a new location at the same depth as the original plant and water well.
That’s why division is only recommended every few years.
There are also numerous hybrids.
The bright red flowers have a yellow central flare.
Zone 6-9
‘Inca Ocean’
This hybrid has bi-color lavender-blue flowers with lighter edges.
It grows 8 to 12 inches tall and spreads 14 to 16 inches.
Zone 7-9
Alstroemeria Companion Plants
Sedum
Sedumsare nearly the perfect plants.
Many are attractive even in winter after their foliage dies and is left standing.
They’re also drought-tolerant and need very little if any, care.
They’re favorites of butterflies and bees.
The tall types are outstanding for cutting and drying.
All thrive in full sun with good drainage.
Zone 3-10
Aster
Asterflowers are the superstars of the fall garden.
Not all asters are fall bloomers.
Extend the season by growing some of the summer bloomers also.
Some are naturally compact.
Others are tall types that grow more than 2 feet tall.
These tough perennials stand up to intense growing conditions, including poor, gravelly soil.
Zone 3-9
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Cutting back the entire plant for winter stunts the flowers in the following season.
However, you might remove individual spent stems at the soil line after they die.
Alstroemeria (Peruvian lilies) are nottrue liliesand are not toxic for your felines.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
