Parrot Lily
Common Names: Parrot Lily, Peruvian Lily
Latin Name: Alstroemeria psittacina
General Info
- Super invasive and spreads like a motherfucker and mess up the other plants.
We need to keep this one in check.
- Alstroemerias should be left undisturbed for as long as possible before
digging and dividing them because they will take 2 or 3 seasons to
re-establish themselves after transplanting. They should only be divided in
early spring.
- Deadheading/Pruning can preferably be done by just pulling the flower stalks up out of the ground. Details below. An interesting effect of the hand pulling method is that it also essentially divides the plant so you won’t have to dig it up.
Soil Requirements
- rich, slightly acidic soils (pH 5.8 -6.8).
Water Requirements
- Although they can survive drought by going dormant, parrotlilies need very
moist, but well aerated soil, to grow well. They will tolerate some flooding,
but the rhizomes tend to rot if the soil is too heavy and/or remains wet for
too long.
Fertilization
- Fertilize regularly with a complete nitrogen-heavy supplement
- Top-dress with well rotted manure or compost as soon as new growth begins
each spring.
- Feed every 2-3 weeks when in bloom, using a ½ strength solution of a soluble,
bloom type fertilizer.
Pruning
- Cutting Alstroemeria flowers will slow the growth of the plant. The proper
method of harvesting Peruvian Lily flowers is to grasp the stem a few inches
from the ground and twist it as you pull it upward. This will detach the
flower cleanly from the rhizome and promote heavier flower production.
- Remove stems up after flowering, leaving tubers in ground.
- Ideally, a bit of root should come attached with the stem. Be careful not to
pull out the rhizomes. If you are shy about deadheading Alstroemeria by
pulling the stem, you can also cut the dead stalk back to the base of the
plant.
Seasonal View
Spring
- Fertilize regularly when they start blooming, every 2-3 weeks.
- Starts blooming, probably late spring.
Summer
- Fertilize regularly, every 2-3 weeks
Interesting Sources