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How to Grow Alstroemeria

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Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria spp.

flower

Alstroemeria, commonly known as Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, is a stunning perennial flower prized for its vibrant, exotic blooms in shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, and purple. The flowers feature intricate striped petals and appear in clusters on tall stems, making them excellent for fresh arrangements and garden displays. These South American natives are long-lived perennials that can produce flowers for months when properly cultivated.

Looking for a specific variety?

Princess Lilies Inca Yellow Inca Red Inca Apricot Parrot Friendship

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Example Alstroemeria timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Alstroemeria

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Alstroemeria blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alstroemeria dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering
💧
Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage. Reduce watering in winter dormancy. Drought-tolerant once established.
📏
Spacing: 12-18 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 90-120 days from planting to first flowers (can take 2-3 years to establish strong root systems)
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Planting depth: 6-8 inches deep for rhizomes; transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss or coco coir Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 6-10; more cold-hardy cultivars can survive zone 5 with protection

6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Dormancy/Establishment

4-6 weeks

Rhizomes are planted and begin developing root systems. Little visible above-ground growth in first weeks.

Plant in spring or fall. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent rhizome rot. Keep soil lightly moist. Do not overwater.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Shoots emerge and develop multiple stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged alternately. Rapid height growth occurs.

Provide consistent moisture without waterlogging. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Stake or support tall varieties to prevent flopping.

3

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form at the tips of stems in clusters. Buds are tightly closed and begin showing color.

Maintain regular watering and fertilize with phosphorus-rich fertilizer to support flowering. Reduce nitrogen to promote blooms over foliage.

4

Flowering

4-12 weeks (can extend 3+ months with succession plantings)

Vibrant flowers open in succession, revealing intricate striped petals. Multiple blooms per cluster open over 2-3 weeks per stem.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Keep adequately watered but not wet. Support heavy flower heads. Cut for arrangements regularly.

5

Decline/Dormancy

2-4 months (varies by zone and cultivar)

Flower production slows, stems begin to fade. Plant naturally enters dormancy period, especially in winter.

Reduce watering gradually as growth slows. Cut back dead foliage in late fall. Do not disturb rhizomes. Apply mulch for winter protection in colder zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Roses Lavender Salvia Coreopsis Delphiniums Ornamental grasses Catmint Yarrow

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut trees (juglone toxicity) Fennel (allelopathic effects) Heavy clay soil areas with poor drainage

Common Pests

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; strong water spray can dislodge them

  • Increase humidity by misting; spray with neem oil or miticide; ensure adequate watering to prevent stress

  • Remove affected flowers; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad; blue sticky traps can monitor populations

  • and

    Hand-pick at dusk; create barriers with copper tape; apply organic slug bait; encourage natural predators

  • Improve drainage immediately; avoid overwatering; apply fungicide if caught early; lift and divide rhizomes in well-draining location

Uses

🍳

Edible Flower Garnish

Culinary

Alstroemeria flowers can be used to decorate cakes, desserts, and cocktails, adding elegant visual appeal to culinary creations. The flowers are non-toxic and add subtle aesthetic value to gourmet dishes. [source]

🏠

Fresh Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Alstroemeria is a premier cut flower prized by florists for long vase life and diverse color range. The intricate, exotic appearance makes it ideal for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and floral designs. [source]

🎨

Dried Flower Crafts

Craft

Alstroemeria flowers dry exceptionally well and retain their vibrant colors, making them perfect for dried arrangements, wreaths, and pressed flower projects. They add dimension and color to long-lasting craft projects. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting beneficial pollinators in the garden. Alstroemeria serves as a valuable food source during its extended blooming season. [source]

💊

Traditional South American Uses

Medicinal

In traditional Peruvian medicine, alstroemeria has been used to support respiratory health and as a general tonic. Modern herbalism explores its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut stems in early morning when flowers are opening but not fully open for longest vase life (2-3 weeks). Use sharp, clean scissors and cut at least 1/3 of the stem length. Remove lower leaves that would sit below the waterline. Change water every 2-3 days and re-cut stems at an angle. Regular cutting encourages more flowering throughout the season.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Alstroemeria is named after Swedish botanist Clas Alströmer, who brought seeds from South America to Europe in the 1700s
  • 🌱 The flowers feature a unique asymmetrical structure with distinctive striped patterns that serve as 'nectar guides' to direct pollinators to the flower's center
  • 🌱 A single well-established alstroemeria plant can produce hundreds of flowers over a season and can live for 10-15+ years with proper care, making it an excellent investment plant

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Perennial pH
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