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Summary

Alstroemeria lilies, native to South America, are suitable for cut flowers. Often given on Valentine's Day they have long lasting attractive flowers that represent friendship and devotion. The root can be eaten once cooked. The roots are a source of a palatable starch and are very nutritious.

Physical Characteristics

Alstroemeria ligtu is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from February to August, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root - cooked[105]. The roots are a source of a palatable starch[2, 46, 177]. It is very nutritious and is given to children and invalids[139].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Massing. Requires a fertile, moisture retentive well-drained soil and a warm situation in sun or semi-shade[200]. Prefers a dry sheltered border and a peaty loam[1]. Established plants are drought tolerant according to one report[190], whilst another says that the soil should not be allowed to dry out in the growing season[42]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[233]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, tolerating temperatures down to between -5 to -10°c[200]. Young plants are best given a protective mulch for their first winter or two[233]. The lily-like flowers have a sweet fragrance of mignonette[245]. They are one of the longest-lasting of cut flowers for the home and so are commonly grown for this purpose[245]. The edible roots are sold in local markets in Chile[46]. The roots should be planted 15 - 20cm deep when dormant in late summer to autumn and then be well mulched to protect them from severe winter weather. Plants can be rather invasive, spreading by means of underground fleshy roots to form large patches[187]. Somewhat intolerant of root disturbance[1], the roots are fleshy and brittle[200]. Special Features:Suitable for cut flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms. Bloom Color: Lavender, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow. Form: Rounded.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in individual pots in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe although seedlings can be transplanted successfully if they are moved with care whilst small. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hrs in warm water, warm stratify for 4 weeks at 25°c and then reduce the temperature to 10°c. Excising a small bit of the seed near the embryo after the seed has been warm stratified helps to speed up the germination process[164]. Plant out about 20cm deep into their permanent positions in late summer or autumn[200]. Division in April or October with care since the plant resents root disturbance[133]. Ensure each portion has a growth bud[111].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Chile (Biobío, Maule, Libertador General Bernardo O Higgins, Región Metropolitana de Santiago, Valparaíso)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible
Alstroemeria aurea	Peruvian Lily	Perennial	1.0	7-10	M	LMH	SN	M	1
Alstroemeria haemantha	Purple-spot parrot-lily	Perennial	0.9	8-11		LM	SN	M	3
Alstroemeria pelegrina	Peruvian Lily	Perennial	0.5	8-11		LM	SN	DM	2
Alstroemeria revoluta		Perennial	0.6	-		LM	SN	M	2
Alstroemeria spectabilis		Perennial	0.0	-		LM	SN	M	2
Alstroemeria versicolor		Perennial	0.3	8-11		LM	SN	M	2
Bomarea acutifolia	Yatzi	Perennial Climber	0.0	8-11		LM	N	M	2
Bomarea edulis		Perennial Climber	3.0	7-10		LM	SN	M	3
Bomarea salsilla		Perennial Climber	2.0	8-11		LM	N	M	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Alstroemeria ligtu - L.