Alstroemeria aurea - Peruvian Lily
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Habit: | Perennial |
| Height: | 1 |
| Width: | 1 |
| Synonyms: | A. aurantiaca. D.Don. |
| Range: | S. America - S. Chile |
Peruvian Lily will flower in December to January. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects
Soil Information
Peruvian Lily will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Peruvian Lily prefers moist soils
Ideal Planting Locations
Peruvian Lily can grow in semi or areas with no shade.Moist woodland[187].
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- Grows within a woodland garden
- Grows on a sunny edge
- Can be planted in Cultivated Beds
Cultivation Details
Requires a fertile, moisture retentive well-drained soil and a warm situation in sun or semi-shade[200]. Another report says that it is easily grown in any soil in sun or part shade[190]. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[233]. Plants have proved very tolerant of neglect on our trial grounds in Cornwall, one clump grew and thrived in rank grass for a number of years until increasing shade from trees began to reduce its vigour[K]. This is the hardiest member of the genus, tolerating temperatures down to between -10 and -15°c, especially if the roots are mulched in the winter[187]. Young plants are best given a protective mulch for their first winter or two[233]. Somewhat intolerant of root disturbance[1], the roots are fleshy and brittle[200]. The plant can be rather invasive, spreading by means of thin fleshy roots[187].Edible Uses*
* See disclaimerEdible Rating: 2/5
Although no reports have been seen for this species, the root of many members of this genus are edible and a source of starch that is very nutritious. It is most likely that this species can be used in the same way.
- Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimerMedicinal Rating: 0/5
None known
Propagation
Seed - best sown in individual pots in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe although seedlings can be transplanted successfully if they are moved with care whilst small. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hrs in warm water, warm stratify for 4 weeks at 25°c and then reduce the temperature to 10°c. Excising a small bit of the seed near the embryo after the seed has been warm stratified helps to speed up the germination process[164]. Plant out about 20cm deep into their permanent positions in late summer or autumn[200]. Division in April or October with care since the plant resents root disturbance[133]. Ensure each portion has a growth bud[111]. This species is so prolific that large clumps can be dug up in late summer for re-establishment[233].Known Hazards
Some people are sensitive to this plant and skin contact with the sap can cause them to get dermatitis[65].Other Uses
None knownCultivars
'' - There are many named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have, therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database[K].References
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992
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