Alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian lily, is a genus made up of about 50 species of flowering plants. The foliage of alstroemeria flowers twist as they rise from the stem, and what appears to be the top of the leaf is actually the bottom. The flowers formed are brightly colored, and are commonly used in bouquets and flower arrangements. The Peruvian lily is easy to grow in garden beds, and results in beautiful displays of white, yellow, orange, pink, red or purple flowers in mid-summer.
Planting Alstroemeria
Plant alstroemeria flowers in late winter or early spring. Choose a planting site that receives between four and six hours of direct sunlight each day, with bright indirect light for the remaining hours. Spread two inches of organic compost over the planting location and use a tiller to incorporate it into the soil, which will increase the drainage and fertility of the soil.
Dig a planting hole between six and nine inches deep. Place an alstroemeria tuber directly into the hole and lightly cover with soil. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to collapse any air pockets and bring as much moisture as possible into contact with the tuber.
Watering and Fertilizing Alstroemeria
Perform routine watering after planting to keep the surface of the soil consistently moist. Allow the soil to dry between watering once the winter months begin. Do not allow the soil to become soggy, or the tuber will rot and kill the plant.
Feed alstroemeria plants twice a month during March and May. Use a balanced fertilizer with 6-6-6 NPK or similar. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for fertilizing tubers for proper dosage. Spread one to two inches of mulch around the base in early autumn once the lily has emerged to help conserve moisture, provide winter protection and add additional nutrients to the soil. Straw, shredded bark or grass clippings are all suitable mulches to for alstroemeria flowers.
Special Care of Alstroemeria
Prune alstroemeria lilies after flowering has ended. Cut the old flower stalks back to a few inches above the ground to encourage the growth of root development instead of seed production. If stalks are not cut back, they will eventually produce seed.
Alstroemeria flowers are extremely susceptible to both snails and slugs, which can consume an entire plant. Remove them by hand, or use a non-toxic snail bait to eliminate the pests. Cutworms will also feed on alstroemeria, and should be hand picked whenever possible. Combat cutworms by removing both ends of a coffee can and sliding over the top of the alstroemeria plant and into the soil, forming a barrier the worms cannot cross.
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