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How to Grow Alstroemeria Parrot

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Alstroemeria Parrot

Alstroemeria × hybridum 'Parrot'

flower

Alstroemeria Parrot is a vibrant hybrid cultivar known for its striking bi-colored flowers featuring yellow and red-orange petals with distinctive streaked markings that resemble parrot plumage. This tropical-looking perennial produces abundant clusters of blooms on long, sturdy stems ideal for cutting and arrangements. It offers extended flowering periods and makes an excellent addition to borders, containers, and floral displays.

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

  1. Plant Alstroemeria Parrot

    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 Parrot blooms

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best blooming
💧
Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base to avoid foliage diseases. Reduce watering in winter dormancy period.
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: 60-90 days from transplant to first flowers
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Planting depth: 1.5-2 inches for tubers; transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or well-rotted manure Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Peat moss for moisture retention

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 8-11; may require winter protection in zone 8

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Dormancy/Emergence

2-4 weeks

Tubers begin sprouting with tender shoots emerging from soil

Plant tubers in early spring. Ensure soil temperature is 50-60°F. Keep soil lightly moist. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Leafy stems elongate, developing narrow lance-shaped leaves along the stem

Provide support with stakes or trellising as stems reach 12-18 inches. Water regularly and maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.

3

Bud Formation & Flowering

6-12 weeks

Terminal clusters of buds appear at stem tips, opening into distinctive parrot-colored flowers with yellow-orange and red markings

Increase phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooming. Remove any dead flowers (deadhead) to encourage continuous flowering. Ensure adequate sunlight and air circulation.

4

Peak Bloom

4-8 weeks

Plant displays maximum flower production with multiple open blooms per cluster; ideal cutting stage

Cut flowers early morning for longer vase life. Continue deadheading spent flowers. Maintain consistent watering and feeding schedule.

5

Decline & Dormancy

6-8 weeks

Flowering slows, foliage begins to yellow and die back as plant enters dormancy

Reduce watering gradually. Do not cut back foliage until completely brown. Stop fertilizing. Mulch tubers for winter protection in cooler zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Lavender Rudbeckia Coreopsis Echinacea Ornamental grasses Verbascum

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Allelopathic plants that compete for nutrients

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity, spray with water, use miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation

  • Remove affected flowers, use yellow sticky traps, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil

  • Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil, encourage beneficial insects

  • and

    Hand-pick, use copper tape or slug bait, improve drainage to reduce moisture

  • Remove infected foliage, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicide if necessary

Uses

🍳

Ornamental Floral Displays

Culinary

Alstroemeria Parrot is widely used in fresh flower arrangements and bouquets due to its striking colors, longevity in water, and architectural form. Its blooms make dramatic focal points in mixed flower designs and are popular with florists for special occasions. [source]

🎨

Dried Flower Arrangements

Craft

The flowers dry beautifully and retain color well, making them excellent for dried arrangements, wreaths, and preserved floral craft projects. Hang bundles upside down in a warm, dry location for best results. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Garden Plant

Wildlife

The abundant, colorful flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the blooming season. Including Alstroemeria in gardens helps support local pollinator populations. [source]

🏠

Container & Patio Growing

Household

Alstroemeria Parrot adapts well to large containers and pots, making it ideal for patios, decks, and balcony gardens where it provides tropical-looking color and extended blooms. Container growing also allows for relocation and winter protection in cooler regions. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Alstroemeria has been used in traditional South American medicine; some herbalists value it for potential anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic properties, though scientific evidence is limited. [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 flowers early in the morning when stems are fully hydrated for maximum vase life (7-10 days). Use clean, sharp scissors and cut stems at a 45-degree angle. Remove lower foliage to prevent bacterial growth in water. Re-cut stems and change water every 2-3 days. Flowers are at peak color and longevity when outer florets are just opening.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Alstroemeria is native to South America and is also known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, though it is not a true lily.
  • 🌱 The distinctive parrot-colored flowers with their streaked markings are named after the bird due to their resemblance to parrot plumage, particularly in yellow, red, and orange color combinations.
  • 🌱 Alstroemeria flowers are exceptionally long-lasting in floral arrangements, often remaining fresh for 2 weeks or more with proper care, making them a favorite among professional florists.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch Partial Shade Perennial pH Trellis
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