Alstroemeria versicolor

Alstroemeria versicolor is a tuberous perennial from central Chile. It belongs to the family Alstroemeriaceae. Kew records it as a plant of subtropical climates. Its range includes Maule and Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins. It grows among stones and scrub in its native range. Habitat records place it between 820 and 5,580 feet [250–1,700 metres]. These include sites from Valparaiso to Conception and Valle de los Cipreses.

The plant reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres] tall. Its spread can reach about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. The fleshy roots break easily and dislike disturbance. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied species accounts give no flower colour or flowering season. They also lack details of leaves, stems and fruit. The RHS lists Alstroemeria kingii as a synonym.

Grow this species in a warm spot with some shelter. It accepts full sun or partial shade. It needs fertile soil that holds moisture but drains well. Sandy and loamy soils suit it, including a peaty loam. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soil. Though it needs moisture, it prefers summer and autumn dryness. A dry, sheltered border is one suggested garden setting. The evidence also lists it for cultivated beds.

Cold limits its use outdoors in Britain to the mildest areas. Plants For A Future reports survival down to about 23°F [-5°C]. It lists USDA zones 8–11, but local winter conditions still matter. Plant dormant roots in late summer or autumn. Set them about 0.5–0.7 feet [0.15–0.20 metres] deep. Mulch them to reduce the risk of winter damage. Handle roots with care when planting or dividing. Divide in April or October, keeping a growth bud on each piece. Sow fresh seed in separate pots in a cold frame. Move young seedlings with care while they remain small.

Plants For A Future records the cooked root as edible. It supplies starch and has a food-use rating of two out of five. The same source lists no known medicinal or other uses. Sap contact can cause dermatitis in sensitive people. That skin risk matters when handling roots or dividing plants. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases for this species. It does not flag the plant as a weed.