© RHS / Joanna Kossak

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

Alstroemeria we recommend

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Useful advice

Cut flowers: cutting and conditioning

Cut flowers: cutting and conditioning

Cut flowers: growing and selection

Cut flowers: growing and selection

Perennials: cutting back

Perennials: cutting back

Perennials: staking

Perennials: staking

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