Alstroemeria aurea aka Peruvian Lily

Alstroemeria aurea is a perennial from Chile and Argentina. Gardeners call it Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas. It belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family. Its native range includes parts of southern Chile and Argentina. There, it grows in moist woodland. In gardens, it forms clumps that spread with time. The leaves fall away at the end of the season.

Plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Their spread reaches about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Clumps take two to five years to reach full size. The stems stand upright and can carry seven branches each. Each branch holds a cluster of orange or yellow flowers. The upper petals have darker tones, with red spots and streaks. Flowers open in summer; Missouri Botanical Garden lists June to July.

Give this plant fertile soil that holds moisture but drains well. It grows in full sun or partial shade. Choose a sheltered site for the clumps. Chalk, loam, and sandy soils can all suit it. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Its water needs are moderate. The RHS rates its hardiness as H4. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 7–10. Leave young plants in place while their clumps develop. Add dry mulch for their first two winters.

Use it in beds, borders, or large pots. Its bright flowers suit cottage gardens and informal planting. The RHS also suggests prairie-style planting and wildlife gardens. It can grow beneath roses and shrubs. The flowers make useful cut stems for indoor displays. Plants in pots may need stakes to hold stems upright. Divide clumps in autumn or at the start of spring. Remove spent flower stems by pulling them up. Leave the tubers in the soil when doing this.

Slugs may attack this plant, and viruses can cause disease. The RHS otherwise reports few disease problems. Sap can cause a skin rash in sensitive people. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling the plant. PFAF gives it a low food-use rating. Yet it cites no confirmed food use for this species. Its root-use suggestion rests on other members of the genus. That does not establish that these roots are safe food. PFAF lists no known medicinal uses for the species.