The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Peruvian lilies(Alstroemeriaspp.
These perennial bulbs produce beautiful flowers that can is a vase for multiple weeks.
Peruvians lilies are toxic to people but non-toxic to pets.
Princess Angela Peruvian LilyNeil Holmes/Getty Images
Soil
Peruvian lilies like fertile, well-drained soil.
you’re free to accomplish both qualities by improving your soil with an organic amendment, likecompostorleaf mold.
These plants do well in most ordinary garden soil but prefer aslightly acidic pH.
Adonis Peruvian LilyNeil Holmes/Getty Images
Peruvian lilies grow well in raised beds or using thelasagna gardening method.
Water
Peruvian lilies need regular moisture, especially as summer temperatures heat up.
Give them at least one inch of water weekly or water when the soil surface feels dry.
Alexis Peruvian LilyNeil Holmes/Getty Images
Temperature and Humidity
Peruvian lilies like temperatures in the 65 to 80 degrees range.
Temperatures in the upper 90s can cause the plants to produce blind stemsfoliage without flowers.
Fertilizer
One feeding in early spring will prep your Peruvian lilies for the growing season.
Use a balancedflower fertilizer.
you could also provide organic additives like manure and compost tea.
Types of Peruvian Lily
Peruvian lilies are hybrids developed fromAlstroemeria aureaas one of its parents.
Peruvian lily breeders focus on introducing exciting new colors for the cut flower market.
Propagating Peruvian Lily
Peruvian lily can be propagated by dividing its roots or growing from seed.
It can also take several years for seed-grown plants to flower.
If attempting to sow seeds, plant many seeds since several will fail to germinate.
Plants may need staking to remain upright in containers.
Any material will work as long as the pot has drainage holes.
Even larger pots are recommended in warmer climates where the Peruvian lilies remain outside year-round.
Use fresh potting soil when replanting.
Keep the soil dry to avoid rot.
If you are unsure, use amoisture meterto help you determine when to water.
Gardeners in colder zones than USDA zone 7 dig up and store the tubers for the winter.
It is fairly common for Peruvian lilies to stop blooming robustly after five or six years.
If given fertilizer, it should be well-balanced.
Fertilizers should not be too nitrogen-heavy, which encourages foliage over flowers.
How Long Does Peruvian Lily Bloom?
Blooms last two to three weeks.
Peruvian lilies rebloom by deadheading the faded flowers to encourage new growth.
What Do Peruvian Lily Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Funnel-shaped flowers extend from clustered lance-shaped leaf foliage.
Deadheading spent blooms is the best way to encourage more to appear.
It’s not recommended to use pruners to cut flowers from these plants.
Common Problems With Peruvian Lily
Peruvian lilies are not temperamental plants and are generally easy to grow.
However, some can experience a few common issues that are usually easy to rectify.
Usually, this happens as plants reach five or six years of age.
It’s time to lift and divide the tuberous roots when this happens.
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When it comes to lifespan, Peruvian lilies will live almost indefinitely.
Tuberous roots will gradually spread and colonize the area.
The spread is usually manageable; it is not officially considered invasive.
Peruvian lilies prefer full sun.
However, they appreciate some afternoon shade in areas with intensely hot summers.
They also come from Asia and are hardier.
Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut.
