Peruvian Lily

Peruvian Lily (Alstromeria) - Handsome tuberous plants of the Amaryllis order, which require a rich manured and well-drained soil, the best place being a south border, or along the front of a wall having a warm aspect, where, if the soil is not light, it should be made so. They are best planted in autumn when dormant, arranging the dry roots (tubers) 6 inches deep at least. When established they descend deeply, and are not then affected by frost. A. aurantiaca is the hardiest kind, and freshly-planted groups of the others should be mulched in winter in all but the more favoured parts of these islands. The plants are increased readily by division when dormant, and also by seeds, which are freely produced.

Grown in masses they are very beautiful, varying much in their color markings. While blooming they should have waterings, otherwise they get too dry, and ripen off prematurely. When going out of flower remove the seed-heads, where these are not required, otherwise the plants may become exhausted. No trouble is involved in staking and tying, for the stems are strong enough to support themselves, unless in very exposed situations. They last long when cut.

The kinds in cultivation are:-

Alstromeria aurea (Alstromeria Aurantiaca) - A vigorous growing Chilian kind, 2 feet to 4 feet high, flowering in summer and autumn. The flowers are large, orange-yellow, streaked with red, and umbels of from 10 to 15 blooms terminating the stems.

Alstromeria Brasiliensis - A distinct kind with red and green flowers, and dwarfer than the preceding. Known also as A. psittacina.

Alstromeria Chilensis - A quite hardy kind from Chili, with many varieties that give a wide range of colors from almost white to deep orange and red.

Alstromeria Pelegrina - Not so tall or robust as the last; but the flowers are larger, whitish, and beautifully streaked, and veined with purple. There are several varieties, including a white one (A. p. alba), which requires protection. When well grown it is a fine pot plant, compact, and crowned with almost pure white flowers. It is called the Lily of the Incas. A. peregrina is synonymous.

Other good kinds are the hardy variable-colored. A. versicolor (A. peruviana) and St Martin's flower (A. pulchra); this, however, requiring protection.

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