Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria aurea)

Care

Light

Plant in full sun or part shade, somewhere sheltered from strong wind, which snaps the stems. In too much shade it grows plenty of leaves but few flowers.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch (2–3 cm) has dried, more often during bloom and dry spells. Too little water yellows the leaves; too much rots the roots.

Soil and pot

In the ground it wants fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and it is not fussy about pH. In containers, choose a deep pot with a drainage hole and a flowering-plant mix cut with grit or perlite. When planting, spread the finger-like roots over a small mound of soil, then cover them.

Temperature and humidity

This is a temperate plant: it grows best between about 50 and 75 °F (10–24 °C) and shrugs off light frost to around 23 °F (−5 °C). The Royal Horticultural Society rates it hardy to 14–23 °F (−10 to −5 °C), and NC State lists the genus for USDA zones 7 to 10. Mulch the soil with straw or dry leaves for the first two winters to protect the roots. It does not need humid air.

Fertilizing

Fertile soil needs little help. A layer of compost in spring is usually enough; in pots, use a liquid bloom fertilizer once a month while it is growing.

Pruning

When a stem finishes flowering, pull it out from the base rather than cutting it, leaving the roots in place. That keeps the clump tidy and encourages new shoots. Wear gloves.

Propagation

Divide clumps in fall or very early spring, gently, because the roots snap easily and the plant dislikes disturbance. It also grows from seed. Leave young plants alone so they can bulk up.