Peruvian Lilies

The Peruvian lilies are also known as the lilies of Incas, parrot lilies, or by the genus name Alstroemeria. The same genus encompasses 50 species of flowering plants, which are mostly perennial in growth habit. Altogether there are about 190 varieties of Peruvian lily, including hybrid cultivars. Taxonomically, the plant belongs to a separate family Alstroemeriaceae of the order Liliales. Though indigenous to parts of South America, today this lovely flowering plant is cultivated in many regions of the world.

Peruvian Lilies Meaning

According to flower meanings, alstroemeria blooms symbolize true friendship and devotion. When exchange between friends, they represent a long-lasting relationship between the sender and the recipient. These flowers are also gifted to wish good luck, wealth and success, while starting out for a new venture in life. One of the identifiable features of all Peruvian lilies is the resupinate foliage. So, what appears upper surface is the lower leaf and vice-versa. Inspect the herbaceous plant, and you will find twisting of the petiole at the base.

The twisting leaves of alstroemeria symbolizes an everlasting bond between friends and lovers (not to forget the unavoidable twist and turns of life). Truly, these lilies are used for gifting in almost all occasions. Available in different shades of vibrant colors, use of Peruvian lilies in wedding is not new. Beautifully arranged bridal bouquets of alstroemeria are sold in all florist centers. Or, one can make personalized bouquet out of these showy blooms for use as wedding flowers. The long shelf life of these spectacular lilies reveals long-lasting devotion.

How to Grow Peruvian Lilies?

As you look for alstroemeria bulbs in nurseries, you will come across two basic types of lilies. The first is a winter growing cultivar from Chile, and second is summer growing plant type from Brazil. And to increase hardiness, hybrids are developed by crossing these two diverse alstroemeria cultivars. According to the climatic condition in your area and soil type, you should select appropriate variety of Peruvian lilies. Based on species, alstroemeria plants bloom in shades of white, peach, yellow, orange, pink and red. Also, you will find bicolored alstroemeria varieties.

• Alstroemeria prefers to grow in sunlit area, and soil with no drainage problems. You can consider growing Peruvian lilies bulbs in flower gardens, or as a part of container gardening. Provided that overwintering steps are followed properly, they are adapted in USDA hardiness zone 7 and below.
• Select a garden site that receives full sunlight for 4-6 hours daily, and proceed with garden soil preparation in spring or late winter. Consider amending organic compost several days prior to plantation of Peruvian lilies. Or, if winter temperature is very cold, include them in your indoor gardening project, and prepare potting mix.
• Comes spring, and you are ready to plant these flowers. Purchase healthy and disease resistant cultivars of desirable colors from a horticulture center. Dig a planting hole that is slightly bigger than the original pot. Place the plant without disturbing the bulb. Then, refill soil and gently press soil to get rid of air pockets.
• If you are planting groups of alstroemeria in flower gardens, follow the same step for planting by leaving a space of 6 inch or more between two plants. Deeply water the newly planted lilies, and follow regular irrigation in spring and summer time. You can reduce watering in fall and winter seasons.
• Fertilizer application with a balanced plant food (6-6-6 NPK) can be done in spring. As the plants become mature, they will develop flower buds in spring, summer or fall, depending upon which cultivars you have planted. After flowering period is over, deadhead the spent blooms, while retaining the foliage.

So, grow hardy lilies and follow the basic care tips mentioned above to avoid attacks by snails and slugs. If the bulbs have outgrown, dig them up in fall and divide them. You can plant this lily in separate pots as houseplants or other garden sites. For some species, alstroemeria blooms have a shelf life of more than two weeks. With increased interest of keeping cut alstroemeria in decorative pots, commercial plantation of Peruvian lilies is done for collecting cut flowers.