Alstroemeria psittacina aka Peruvian Lily

Alstroemeria psittacina is also known as parrot lily. It belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family. This herbaceous perennial has soft growth and lives for years. It comes from Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. Garden plants have escaped in several parts of the world. These include Australia, New Zealand, Wales and the southeastern United States. It also grows outside gardens in Madeira and the Canary Islands.

The plant forms dense clumps that stand upright. It spreads through tubers and grows fast. It spreads more in warm climates. Garden plants reach about 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] tall. RHS gives an upper height of 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Sources give spread as 1.6–3 feet [0.5–0.9 metres]. The smooth, leafy stems have mauve patches. Green leaves grow in turn along the stems. They fall in winter. Each simple leaf has one blade with smooth edges. The base is narrow. The lance-shaped blades may have sharp or blunt tips.

Groups of five to nine flowers top the tall stems. They bloom from midsummer into early autumn. Each narrow flower forms a tube. Its outer surface is red, with green tips. Dark red or brown spots mark the inside. The flowers last well when cut for use indoors. Bees and hummingbirds visit them in the garden. The small fruit is a ribbed capsule that holds dark brown seeds. It has a round shape with clear angles.

Grow parrot lily in rich soil that drains well. It accepts full sun or some shade. It grows in chalk, clay, loam and sand. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit it. Keep the soil moist. Once clumps take root, they withstand some dry spells. Leave young plants in place while their clumps grow. RHS advises dry mulch for their first two winters. It lists UK hardiness as H4. NC State lists USDA zones 7–10. In colder areas, pots can spend winter indoors.

Use it in borders, pots, cutting beds or wildlife gardens. It also fits beneath roses and shrubs. Once plants take root, they need little care. Their spread can cause problems, though. Parts of Australia regard it as a weed. These include New South Wales. Slugs may harm plants, and viruses can sometimes occur. Divide clumps in autumn or very early spring. Remove spent flower stems, but leave the tubers in the ground. RHS warns that handling can cause an allergic skin reaction. Wear gloves and other protection when working with it.