Introducing...
Alstroemeria
Common name: Peruvian lily
Alstroemerias have long been a staple of cottage gardens, but modern cultivars have an extended flowering season, with larger blooms and more vivid colours. Excellent in summer borders, especially with roses, they can also be used in containers.
Looks
The clusters of lily-like flowers come in a choice of vibrant colours, including pinks, reds, purples, yellows, oranges and creamy-whites, often adorned with speckles, blotches and stripes. They open throughout summer and early autumn at the top of leafy stems. Plants die back over winter and re-sprout in spring.
Likes
Grow in full sun, in any reasonably fertile soil that drains easily. Alstroemerias like a warm, sheltered spot and often do well at the base of a sunny wall.
Dislikes
Excessively wet soil can cause plants to rot over winter. Alstroemerias don’t flower well in shade.
Did you know?
To keep plants flowering, remove faded blooms regularly. But instead of cutting off individual flowers, once the whole cluster has faded, grasp the stem near the base and gently pull it away from the plant. This encourages new flower stems to grow.
Growing guide
How to grow alstroemerias
All the information you’ll need to grow & care for alstroemerias in your garden.
Alstroemeria we recommend
Alstroemeria 'Cahors' (Planet Series)
Peruvian lily 'Cahors'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Alstroemeria 'Friendship'
Peruvian lily 'Friendship'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Alstroemeria 'Cahors' (Planet Series)
Peruvian lily 'Cahors'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Alstroemeria 'Friendship'
Peruvian lily 'Friendship'
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Cut flowers: cutting and conditioning
Cut flowers: growing and selection
Perennials: cutting back
Perennials: staking
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.