Alstroemeria aurea
| Alstroemeria aurea | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 3' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Mid Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Alstroemeria aurea (common name: peruvian lily)
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[1]. Plant out about 20cm deep into their permanent positions in late summer or autumn[2].
Division in April or October with care since the plant resents root disturbance[3]. Ensure each portion has a growth bud[4]. This species is so prolific that large clumps can be dug up in late summer for re-establishment[5].
Cultivation: Requires a fertile, moisture retentive well-drained soil and a warm situation in sun or semi-shade[2]. Another report says that it is easily grown in any soil in sun or part shade[6]. Established plants are drought tolerant[6]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[5]. Plants have proved very tolerant of neglect on our trial grounds in Cornwall, one clump grew and thrived in rank grass for a number of years until increasing shade from trees began to reduce its vigour[K].
This is the hardiest member of the genus, tolerating temperatures down to between -10 and -15°c, especially if the roots are mulched in the winter[7]. Young plants are best given a protective mulch for their first winter or two[5].
Somewhat intolerant of root disturbance[8], the roots are fleshy and brittle[2].
The plant can be rather invasive, spreading by means of thin fleshy roots[7].
Range: S. America - S. Chile
Habitat: Moist woodland[7].
Edibility: Although no reports have been seen for this species, the root of many members of this genus are edible and a source of starch that is very nutritious. It is most likely that this species can be used in the same way.
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
In Leaf: Late Winter-Late Summer
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Some people are sensitive to this plant and skin contact with the sap can cause them to get dermatitis[9].
Also Known As: A. aurantiaca. D.Don.
Links
References
- ↑ Bird, Alfred. Growing from Seed Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan, 1990.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan, 1987.
- ↑ Sanders, Thomas. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge, 1926.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Chatto, Beth. The Damp Garden. Dent, 1982.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.