The Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria) is a total favorite in many of our backyards. I’ll be honest: she can be a little high-maintenance at times, but those gorgeous, exotic blooms make every bit of effort worth it. If you’re looking to add some tropical flair to your garden, here is everything you need to know about getting your Peruvian Lilies off to a great start.
Picking the Perfect Spot
Since these beauties hail from the subtropical regions of South and Central America, they crave warmth and sunshine. However, there’s a catch—they don’t love being scorched in the intense, direct midday sun. Your best bet is to find a “happy medium” spot that gets plenty of light but offers a little protection. You’ll also want to pick a location shielded from the wind, especially during the colder months. Not all varieties are hardy, and a freezing draft can really do some damage. As for the soil, aim for something nutrient-rich, well-draining, and low in lime.
Getting Them in the Ground
When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole about twice as deep as the root tubers are wide. I always recommend mixing in some well-rotted compost to give the plant a nice nutrient boost right out of the gate. Once they’re tucked in, give them a good soak. Now, here is where you need a little “gardener’s patience”—Peruvian Lilies often take a few years before they really start showing off their flowers. But trust me, stay the course! With consistent watering and plenty of nutrients, they’ll eventually become the absolute showstopper of your garden.
Winter Care
One of the meanings often associated with the Peruvian Lily is devotion, and you’ll definitely need to show them some love when winter rolls around. Young plants and more delicate varieties won’t survive a hard freeze, so they’ll need to overwinter indoors in a greenhouse or a sunroom. If you have older, more established plants, they can usually handle the cold if you help them out. Give them a thick “blanket” of straw or leaves to protect the roots from frost. Do that, and your hard work will pay off again next spring!
Planting Your Peruvian Lily: The Quick Checklist
- Pick a warm, sunny spot.
- Avoid locations with harsh, unprotected midday sun.
- Make sure the area is sheltered from the wind.
- Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
- Dig the planting hole twice as deep as the tubers are wide.
- Mix in some compost for extra fuel.
- Water well and be patient while waiting for those first blooms.
- Always protect the plant from frost during the winter.
