Common Name: lily of the Incas
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Alstroemeriaceae
Native Range: Brazil and Argentina
Zone: 7 to 10
Height: 1.50 to 2.50 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Description: Coral pink and grey-green
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Culture
Best grown in rich, evenly moist, well-draining soils in full sun to part shade. Hardy from Zones 7-10. Some afternoon shade is appreciated in warm summer climates. A thick winter mulch is required in the colder areas of this plant's hardiness range. Will slowly form colonies in ideal conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Alstroemeria isabellana, commonly called lily of the Incas, is a clump-forming perennial native to eastern and southern Brazil, as well as Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina. The narrow, clasping, grey-green leaves are held on upright to arching stems up to 2' long. Coral pink and grey-green tubular flowers (up to 2" long) are held in an umbel above the foliage on 2.5' tall flowering stalks. The flowers tend to face slightly downward, but as the round seedpods mature they turn to face upwards. A large clump can produce a dozen or more flowering stalks during the growing season. An excellent cut flower.
Genus name honors Swedish botanist Klaus von Alstroemer (1736-1794) who was a student and friend of Carolus Linnaeus.
The specific epithet isabellana refers to Arsène Isabelle (1806-1888), a French botanist and explorer.
Problems
No known pest or disease problems.
Uses
A unique specimen plant best sited near the front of a mixed border so the blooms can be enjoyed close up. Does not take well to container culture.