Purple-spot parrot-lily
Alstroemeria haemantha

Family: Amaryllidaceae

What it is like

Alstroemeria haemantha is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.9

Where it is found

Well-drained rocky hillsides.

S. America - Chile

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Root - cooked. A source of starch. It is very nutritious but has a rather bland flavour.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it requires a fertile, moisture retentive well-drained soil and a warm situation in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a dry sheltered border and a peaty loam. Plants succeed in maritime gardens. Hardy to between -10 and -15°c. The roots should be planted 15 - 20cm deep in late summer to autumn and then be well mulched to protect them from severe winter weather. This species is closely related to A. ligtu. A somewhat invasive plant, spreading by means of fleshy roots to form large patches. Somewhat intolerant of root disturbance, the roots are fleshy and brittle.

Propagating it: 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. Plant out about 20cm deep into their permanent positions in late summer or autumn. Division in April or October with care since the plant resents root disturbance. Ensure each portion has a growth bud.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Some people are sensitive to this plant and skin contact with the sap can cause them to get dermatitis.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. simsii