Many gardeners seek to add vibrant, lily-like blooms to their landscapes, often encountering plants referred to as “false lilies.” These captivating flowers share a similar aesthetic with true lilies but belong to different botanical families. Understanding these distinctions helps in selecting the right plant for your garden and providing appropriate care. This guide focuses on Alstroemeria, commonly known as the Peruvian Lily, a prime example of a beautiful “false lily” that offers a long-lasting display.
Understanding False Lilies
The term “false lily” generally describes plants that visually resemble true lilies (genus Lilium) but are not botanically related to them. True lilies are characterized by their single, upright stems with whorls of leaves and flowers that typically have six petals, growing from a bulb. Many plants have adopted “lily” in their common names due to similar flower shapes or growth habits, leading to occasional confusion. For instance, daylilies (Hemerocallis), Canna lilies, and Calla lilies are all examples of plants that are not true lilies.
While common names can be misleading, botanical names provide accurate identification. Alstroemeria, the Peruvian Lily, belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family, not the Liliaceae family of true lilies. It is a popular choice for gardens and cut flower arrangements due to its striking appearance.
Alstroemeria: The Peruvian Lily
Alstroemeria spp., widely recognized as Peruvian Lily or Inca Lily, is a tuberous perennial originating from South America. These plants are admired for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, which typically measure 2 to 4 inches across. The blooms display a wide array of colors, including pink, orange, red, yellow, white, and purple, often accented with distinctive dark speckles or streaks on their inner petals.
Peruvian Lilies grow in bushy clumps, usually reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet, though some varieties can grow taller. Their lance-shaped leaves are often a dark green, sometimes with a slight twist, providing a pleasant backdrop for the vibrant flowers. They are highly valued in both home gardens and the cut flower industry for their long-lasting blooms, which can persist for weeks in a vase. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity.
Caring for Peruvian Lilies
Peruvian Lilies, while exotic in appearance, are relatively straightforward to care for when provided with the right conditions. Meeting their specific needs ensures a prolonged and abundant flowering season.
Light
Peruvian Lilies thrive in locations that receive ample sunlight. For optimal flowering, a spot with full morning sun and some partial shade in the afternoon is often ideal. In regions with intense summer heat, afternoon shade becomes particularly beneficial to prevent scorching of the foliage and flowers. While they can tolerate some light shade, too little sun may result in fewer blooms and weaker stems.
Soil and Planting
Well-draining soil is essential for Peruvian Lilies, as their fleshy tuberous roots are prone to rot in waterlogged conditions. An ideal soil composition is rich, slightly acidic (pH between 5.5 and 6.3), and amended with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. When planting, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the tubers, typically 6 to 8 inches, and handle the brittle roots carefully. Space plants about 1.5 to 2 feet apart to allow for spread and good air circulation.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Peruvian Lilies, especially during their active growing and blooming periods. They generally require about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid over-saturating the soil, which can lead to root rot. Once established, these plants can tolerate short periods of drought due to their ability to store water in their tubers.
Temperature and Humidity
Peruvian Lilies prefer temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures consistently in the upper 90s can cause the plants to produce stems without flowers, known as “blind stems.” In such hot climates, planting them in partial shade or areas that receive only morning sun can help mitigate this. While they do not have specific humidity requirements, good air circulation is beneficial in humid environments to prevent fungal diseases. Most varieties are hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 10, with some tolerating Zone 6 with winter protection.
Fertilizing
A single feeding in early spring can support vigorous growth and flowering. When first planting, incorporating a general granular or high-nitrogen fertilizer into the soil can provide a good start. For established plants, a high-potash fertilizer applied weekly during the growing season can encourage continuous blooming. Always follow product directions for application rates to avoid over-fertilization.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Peruvian Lilies are generally robust plants, but occasional issues can arise. Understanding these common problems and their solutions helps maintain plant health and vibrant blooms.
Yellowing leaves can indicate insufficient watering. Root rot is a common issue, primarily caused by overly wet or poorly draining soil, which leads to soft, blackened roots. Ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering are key preventative measures. If growing in containers, ensure pots have large drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. Pests like aphids, spider mites, thrips, slugs, and snails can sometimes affect Peruvian Lilies. Fungal diseases such as botrytis (gray mold) and root rot (Pythium) can also occur, especially in overly moist or crowded conditions. Proper spacing to improve air circulation can help prevent fungal issues.