The Alstroemeria is native to South America and is commonly named Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas. The Alstroemeria is a genus from the Alstroemeriaceae family.

The Peruvian lily has tuberous roots. With these roots this perennial can store water, which makes it tolerant to drought. The roots of the Alstroemeria aurea 'Orange King' are very fragile and they grow quite deep into the ground. This combination makes it very difficult to dig it up and reposition or remove it. This Peruvian lily spreads through rhizomes and also through seeds. If you want to keep in in one place, you can try by putting a rim around it. Do not forget to remove the spent flowers, or else it will spread through its seeds.

It my garden the Alstroemeria aurea 'Orange King' chooses warm, sunny and relatively dry locations to emerge. This perennial is not welcome in all those places, but it is not easy to remove it. At first I did not know how persistent this plant was and was therefore too late with taking steps to contain it. I will be the most persistent!

The stems of the Peruvian lily stay nice and upright. The flowers are excellent as cut flowers and last a long time.

In my garden the Alstroemeria aurea 'Orange King' has survived a frost period of -4 ºF (-20 ºC) without any extra protection.

 

 

Attracts bees: yes

Characteristic: newly emerging every year

Deer resistant: yes

Exposure: sun/part shade

Flower color: orange

Flowering time: June – July

Foliage color: green

Fragrant flower: no

Hardiness: -4 ºF/-20 ºC

Height: 35 inches/90 cm

Soil: normal/dry