Alstroemeria psittacina 'Variegata' (Variegated Peruvian Lily) - Semi-evergreen perennial that grows to about 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall and spreads by rhizomes. It has green leaves splashed with a white variegation and spring-summer red flowers that have darker spots and green petal tips.
Plant in full sun (coastal) to light shade and give regular irrigation. Hardy to about 15-20 degrees F. As this plant can spread widely in the garden it is a good candidate for keeping in a pot. If planted in the ground, control spreading by using a root barrier or surround plant with a non-irrigated area.
The genus Alstroemeria (at times spelled Alstremeria) was named by Carl Linnaeus, often called the Father of Taxonomy, for his friend and student Klaus von Alstroemer (Clas Alströmer), a Swedish baron. Alstroemeria come from two areas within South America with summer growing species restricted to eastern Brazil and winter-growing plants from central Chile with common names such as Peruvian Lily, Parrot Lily, or Lily of the Incas. We received this plant in 1997 and grew it from 2001 until 2007.
The information about Alstroemeria psittacina 'Variegata' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |