Alstroemeria pelegrina
| Alstroemeria pelegrina | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Alstroemeria pelegrina (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].
Cultivation: Requires a fertile, moisture retentive well-drained soil and a warm situation in sun or semi-shade[2]. Prefers a dry sheltered border and a peaty loam[5]. Requires a well-drained soil that stays moist in the summer[6]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[7].
Possibly hardy to about -10°c[6]. Another report suggests that plants will only tolerate light frosts, but they should prove hardy in selected sites in the mildest areas of the country[2].
The roots should be planted 15 - 20cm deep when dormant in late summer to autumn and then be well mulched to protect them from severe winter weather.
Somewhat intolerant of root disturbance[5], the roots are fleshy and brittle[2].
Range: S. America - Chile, Peru.
Habitat: Sand dunes along the coast[6].
Edibility: Root - cooked[8]. A source of starch[8].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
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].
Links
References
- ↑ Bird, Alfred. Growing from Seed Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan, 1990.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 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 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.