Maureen Gilmer
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
ALSTROEMERIA
Plant Common Name
Lily-of-the-Incas
General Description
The Genus Alstroemeria is made up of 50 to 60 species of flowering herbaceous perennials native to South America. The genus is named for the Swedish baron Clas Alströmer who first collected seeds in South America around 1750. Today Lily-of-the-Incas hybrids and cultivars are most popular with florists for use in arrangements.
Alstroemeria are clump-forming and upright. They grow from fleshy rhizomatous crowns that spread laterally over time. They’ve numerous erect leafy stems lined with linear or lance-shaped, gray-green alternate leaves. The leaves often twist or have undulating edges.
Lily-like flowers are produced singly or in clusters atop strong upright stems. The blooms are funnel-shaped with six petals and come in shades of red, pink, orange, purple, green, or white. The throats are often spotted, streaked and blotched with contrasting colors and are very attractive to bees. The fruits that follow are capsules filled with hard brown or black seeds.
Alstroemeria growth and flowering are dependent on the species and climate. Some grow and flower in summer and others in the winter. Most popular cultivated varieties are hybrids that tend to flower at any time as long as conditions are favorable.
Cultural requirements vary somewhat among species but most prefer moist, rich, acid soil with good drainage. Alstroemeria are moderately hardy. Where not hardy, they can be planted in protected locations or in containers that can be stored indoors during winter. Full sun to partial shade is best for flowering, however afternoon shade is appreciated in hot climates. Lily-of-the-Incas do not move or divide well. They are drought tolerant once established but look best if watered during dry spells; a heavy layer of mulch is beneficial for weed control and moisture retention. Plant Alstroemeria in beds, borders, perennial gardens, containers and cutting gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Native To
South America
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Red, Green, Purple, Orange, Pink, Salmon, Lavender, Brown
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor, Multi-Color, Striped
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Fruit Color
Yellow Green, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
