The Peruvian Lily, or Alstroemeria, is a popular herbaceous perennial celebrated for its vivid, lily-like blooms and impressive longevity as a cut flower. These South American natives produce a wide range of colors, often adorned with striking speckles or streaks, providing a vibrant display from early summer until the first frost. Alstroemeria establishes a strong presence in the garden, returning reliably year after year, especially in temperate climates.
Clarifying the Product: Rhizomes, Tubers, and Bare Roots
The term “bulb” is commonly used, but Alstroemeria actually grows from a complex underground structure distinct from a true bulb. Alstroemeria grows from fleshy-rooted tubers or rhizomes, which are modified stems that store nutrients and allow the plant to spread horizontally to form a dense clump. True bulbs, such as tulips, are composed of fleshy, layered scales. In contrast, Alstroemeria’s root structure is finger-like and brittle, resembling a cluster of thick roots.
When you receive a dormant Alstroemeria, it will be a bare-root clump of these fragile, fleshy structures. These tuberous roots should be planted horizontally, just a few inches below the soil surface, taking care not to damage the brittle roots. The plant may be sold as a “bare-root,” which is the dormant rhizome or tuber without soil, or it may be sold as a potted start with established foliage.
Dedicated Sources for Alstroemeria Stock
The most extensive variety of Alstroemeria is typically found through specialized online perennial nurseries and mail-order companies. These vendors often provide dormant, bare-root rhizomes in late winter or early spring, which is the optimal time for planting to ensure strong root establishment. They frequently offer unique or newer cultivars of the Inca and Princess series that are not easily found elsewhere.
Local garden centers and dedicated nurseries provide another reliable source, usually selling Alstroemeria as established plants in containers. Purchasing a potted start allows for immediate planting and eliminates the need to handle dormant roots. While the variety may be less extensive than mail-order specialists, the benefit is seeing the health of the foliage and root system before purchase.
Big box stores and large retailers also carry Alstroemeria, though their selection is typically limited to common, proven varieties and is highly seasonal. These plants are usually sold as potted starts in the spring and summer months. While convenient, the stock quality can be inconsistent, so inspect the foliage closely for signs of disease or pests before buying.
Timing Your Purchase and Planting
Dormant rhizomes or bare roots are most commonly purchased in the late winter or early spring for planting after the last hard frost. This timing allows the tuberous roots to acclimate and establish themselves in the soil before the summer heat. Online vendors usually coordinate their shipping schedules to coincide with the appropriate spring planting window for your specific USDA hardiness zone.
Planting should ideally occur when the soil temperature is beginning to warm, and the daily air temperatures do not consistently exceed 68°F. Fall planting is also an option, particularly in mild climates (Zones 8-10), as the cooler, moist conditions allow for root development before the winter dormancy. If buying established potted plants, they can be transplanted into the garden at nearly any time during the growing season, provided you keep them well-watered.