SCIENTIFIC NAME: Alstroemeria
FAMILY: Alstroemeriaceae
KINGDOM: Plantae
ORDER: Liliales
With many names such as Peruvian Lilies, Lily of the Incas, Princess Lilies, Parrot Beak this tuberous rotted herbaceous perennial is a firm favourite in many gardens. There is such a diverse range of varieties from 30cm low dwarf to 30cm tall ones which require staking.
Alstroemerias herald Spring forming a clump of upright stems with lanced shaped mild to dark green leaves depending on the variety – there is even a variegated Princess Lily called Fabiana.
They come in colours of white, orange, apricot, green purples, pinks and reds and take on a lily appearance with a variety of markings on the flower. They make the BEST cut flowers as they last such a long time and don’t turn the water ‘rank’.
When planting, Alstroemerias do prefer a full sun to part shade position here on the Coffs Coast in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Such happy plants!
