Peruvian lily
Also known as
Golden alstroemeria, Lily of the Incas, Alstroemeria, Golden Peruvian lily
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Alstroemeria aurea, commonly called Peruvian lily or golden alstroemeria, is a hardy, clump-forming perennial native to the temperate Andes of Chile and Argentina. It grows from fleshy rhizomes that send up upright, leafy stems 60–120 cm tall. Leaves are lanceolate and characteristically resupinate, twisting so the undersides face upward. In late spring to summer, branched umbels carry multiple funnel-shaped flowers in warm shades of golden yellow to orange, often with brown or red speckling on the inner tepals. Blooms are long-lasting both in the garden and as cut flowers, attracting pollinators. The plant spreads by rhizomes to form robust clumps in well-drained, fertile soils and prefers cool root conditions with mild to moderate summer heat. In favorable climates it may self-seed and lightly naturalize, so site thoughtfully and manage spread where necessary. With suitable siting and routine maintenance, Alstroemeria aurea delivers months of color, returns reliably year after year, and provides excellent stems for arrangements.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Peruvian lily
Water
Keep evenly moist during active growth and bloom. Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries, ensuring free drainage—waterlogging leads to rhizome rot. Mulch to reduce evaporation and keep roots cool. In rainy climates, water less often but maintain sharp drainage. After flowering and into dormancy, gradually reduce watering, keeping soil just barely moist. Container plants dry faster: check twice weekly in warm weather and never let pots sit in saucers of water. Water at the base to keep foliage and flowers dry.
Light
Provide bright light. In cool or maritime regions, full sun yields the heaviest flowering. In hotter climates, give morning sun with dappled afternoon shade to prevent heat stress and prolong blooms. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Keep roots shaded and cool with mulch or low groundcovers while allowing the shoots ample light. Too much shade produces lank growth and few flowers, while intense, reflected midday sun can scorch leaves where summers are very hot.
Nutrients
Feed lightly but consistently. Incorporate compost at planting, then apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; repeat lightly after the first flush if growth wanes. In containers, use a half-strength balanced liquid feed every 3–4 weeks from active growth through midsummer. Shift to a formula with slightly higher potassium as buds form to support sturdy stems and extended bloom. Avoid heavy nitrogen, which promotes soft, leafy growth and fewer flowers. Flush containers occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Temperature
Best growth occurs in cool to mild conditions, roughly 10–24°C. A. aurea is among the hardier alstroemerias, tolerating short frosts to about −10°C with mulch and excellent drainage; protect crowns in colder zones. Prolonged heat above 30°C reduces flowering and stresses plants—provide afternoon shade and keep roots cool with mulch. Generally hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 7–10. In colder climates, grow in containers or lift and store rhizomes frost-free over winter. Avoid waterlogged winter soils, which amplify cold damage.
