Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian lily and Lily of the Incas as it originates from South America, is a hardy perennial renowned for showy and vividly coloured summer blooms. The flowers are borne from midsummer to mid-autumn in colours that include red, orange, purple, pink and yellow, as well as softer shades of pink and white.
Alstroemeria flowers are borne in clusters on top of stout leafy stems and are attractively patterned and marked on the inside, creating an exotic and lily like appearance. Alstroemeria is also popular as a cut flower, as the blooms are long-lasting. Alstroemeria has long been a popular garden border plant as it is hardy and easy to grow. Over recent years, plant breeders have introduced many spectacular new alstroemeria varieties with a wider colour range and longer flowering qualities that give outstanding garden performance, including compact varieties that are especially suited to growing in pots. The Alstroemeria flower is also very attaractive to bees and pollinating insects.
The vibrant blooms of the alstroemeria psittacina, commonly known as parrot lily, can add an exotic flair to any garden This eye-catching perennial boasts flowers resembling parrot feathers, hence its nickname With proper care, the parrot lily will flourish, blessing you with its flamboyant beauty year after year.
An Overview of the Alluring Parrot Lily
Belonging to the Alstroemeriaceae family, the alstroemeria psittacina is native to Brazil and Argentina. This herbaceous perennial grows from tubers and features lush green foliage and colorful blooms. The trumpet-shaped flowers come in various shades of red orange or yellow, with contrasting spots and striped throats. Arranged in clusters of 3-8 blooms, they can reach 2-3 inches across. Parrot lily grows 1-4 feet tall and spreads 1-3 feet wide. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Parrot lily requires specific care to maximize its captivating floral display. Here are its key needs:
Sunlight: Parrot lily thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for prolific blooms. Partial shade is tolerated, but flowering will decrease.
Soil Well-draining soil is vital. Loamy, slightly acidic soil amended with compost is ideal Improve drainage in heavy clay soils.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Established plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week. Less in winter, more in heat.
Temperature: Parrot lily flourishes in warm weather, preferring daytime highs of 60-80°F. It can tolerate light frosts but avoid lower freezing temperatures.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for optimal blooms and plant health.
Caring for Your Parrot Lily Year-Round
Tailoring your care to the changing seasons is key for a thriving parrot lily. Follow these tips:
Spring: Fertilize plants and remove any winter mulch as temperatures warm up. Prune dead foliage and stems. Watch for new growth.
Summer: Water regularly and apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Stake tall stems if needed. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
Fall: Reduce water and fertilizer as plants go dormant. Mulch plants in colder climates for winter protection. Cut back foliage once it dies after hard frosts.
Winter: Water sparingly over winter. Remove mulch in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid pruning until risk of frost has passed.
Achieving Abundant Blooms
Maximizing the floral display of parrot lily requires meeting a few key conditions:
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Sunlight: Insufficient sun exposure results in reduced blooms. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun.
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Nutrition: Regular fertilization during the growing season fuels prolific flowering. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Moisture: Drought stress inhibits blooming. Maintain consistent soil moisture. Increase watering during hot/dry periods.
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Air Circulation: Improve airflow and reduce humidity to deter foliar diseases that can weaken plants and limit flowering.
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Deadheading: Snipping off spent blooms redirects energy into new flower production.
Propagating for More Parrot Lilies
Expanding your collection of alluring parrot lily is simple with these propagation methods:
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Division: The easiest option. Dig up mature clumps in early spring and divide into pieces, ensuring some roots and a growth bud on each section. Replant divisions and water well.
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Root Cuttings: Take 3-4 inch root sections in spring containing a growth bud. Root in pots before transplanting out.
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Seeds: Sow fresh seeds in flats indoors. Slow to germinate and establish. Division is faster.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
When provided with suitable growing conditions, parrot lily is relatively trouble-free. But watch for these potential issues:
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Fungal diseases: Improve airflow and reduce watering. Apply organic fungicides if needed.
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Root rot: Check drainage and avoid overwatering. Let soil partially dry out between waterings.
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Pests: Pick off by hand or use insecticidal soap sprays. Avoid pesticides that can stress plants.
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Lack of blooms: Increase sunlight, fertilize regularly, provide adequate moisture, and eliminate overcrowding.
Bringing the Splendor of Parrot Lily to Your Garden
With its vibrant, uniquely-shaped blooms, the alstroemeria psittacina is truly one of a kind. Follow this guide to care, propagation, and troubleshooting for success growing this eye-catching flower. A bit of effort will reward you with the exotic beauty and graceful charm of parrot lily spicing up your garden or containers for years to come.
How to propagate alstroemeria
Like most perennials, alstroemerias form clumps of roots that grow larger over time. After several years, large clumps can be divided up: this makes more alstroemeria plants for free and also rejuvenates congested plants when flowering starts to decline.
Divide alstroemerias in early spring. Alstroemerias have fleshy tuber-like roots which can damage easily, so lift and handle with care, dividing the clump up into several pieces and replanting immediately into soil that has been improved with organic matter.
How to grow alstroemeria
Alstroemeria is a hardy herbaceous perennial, which means it lives for many years, with growth that dies back to the ground each winter. Ideally, plant alstroemerias in spring so they can settle in before flowering, spacing them 60 cm apart. For cut flowers, grow alstroemerias in an out of the way spot or cuttings patch if you have space, such as on an allotment.
Growing alstroemerias – everything you need to know, esp how to pick them!
FAQ
How do you care for Alstroemeria psittacina?
Water frequently so the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. Too much water will lead to root rot. Fertilize your Alstroemeria when in bloom. Use a high potash fertilizer each week during the growing season.
Do Alstroemeria need sun or shade?
Alstroemeria prefer a sunny site with fertile, well-drained soil, although they will benefit from some afternoon shade where summers are exceptionally hot.
Do Alstroemeria do well in pots?
Do alstroemerias grow in pots? Ben strongly recommends growing them in pots. In the border, they can spread too much, but in pots, they can be contained. You can also keep them flowering for longer if you move the pots from the garden to a greenhouse or conservatory in the winter.
How do you keep Alstroemeria blooming?
Deadheading can be done with shears but simply cutting off the “head” has been shown to weaken the next season’s display. A better method of deadheading involves no tools and will promote better blooms the following year. Simply grasp the dead flower stem and pull the entire stem out from the base of the plant.