Parrot lily is a clump-forming, tuberous perennial native to southern Brazil, northern Argentina and north-eastern Paraguay. It grows 2-3′ tall and is evergreen in mild climates. The lanceolate leaves are up 3″ long and have petioles on sterile stems but are sessile on flowering stems. Leafy umbels of 4 or more narrowly funnel-shaped flowers appear from mid summer to fall, are 1 3/4″ long, and have green and red tepals with dark markings. The flowers are excellent cut flowers and the plants are suitable for use in containers and in the borders of informal gardens. The plants spread by rhizomes and can become invasive. The genus name, Alstroemeria, honors Klaus von Alstroemer (1736-1794) who was a Swedish naturalist and student of Karl Linnaeus. The specific epithet, psittacina, comes from the Latin word psittacus meaning parrot and refers to the appearance of the flowers.
Type: Tender perennial
Bloom: Leafy umbels of 4 or more narrowly funnel-shaped, green and red petaled flowers with dark markings from mid summer into fall from
Size: 2-3′ H x 1′ W
Light: Full sun to part sun
Soil: Fertile, consistently moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 8-10
Care: Pull stems out after flowering. Feed regularly throughout the growing season.
Pests and Diseases: None of significance but susceptible to slugs.
Propagation: Division in autumn or very early spring, seed
Companion Plants: Verbena bonardiensis, Jerusalem sage, Veronica longifolia
Outstanding Selections: ‘Royal Star’ (red with green tips and dark red markings)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen Meyers