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June
2004
Alstroemeria are commonly mistaken for Lilies, and are
even widely referred to as Peruvian Lilies. (Their origins
are in the mountain regions of South America.) But these
perennials (also known as Lilies-of-the-Incas, Parrot
Lilies, Ulster Mary and Peruvian Princess) actually resemble
something of a cross between an azalea and a small lily.
They produce long stems of handsome foliage, gorgeous,
often variegated, azalea-like flowers in colors such
as white, yellow, orange, apricot, pink, salmon, red,
mauve, purple and lavender from late spring to early
or mid-summer.
Peruvian
Lilies make great container plants and their cut flowers
have a very long vase life of about two weeks. Alstroemeria
grow well in sun or partial shade, but the soil should be rich
and well-drained. They don't like to be moved too much, the
roots break easily, so plan well when you plant them
or dig very deeply & carefully if you MUST move them. In
a hot climate like where
I live, partial
shade is best, and again, make sure the soil is not too
dry. I
keep mine in a container, and because of that, I'm never
sure how much to feed them, or what, but they seem to
be not all that fussy because whatever I've done has
been fine. Every year I think that mine have died off--they
look so sad as they go out. The leaves yellow, stems
die off, fall out etc. But then when the conditions are
right again, back they come, in full force. Pretty amazing.
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& Flower Index
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