Alstroemeria Ligtu Hybrids - Peruvian Lily

Alstroemeria 'Ligtu Hybrids' is a stunning collection of very exotic lily-like flowers in a variety of warm pink, orange and red shades with distinctive, contrasting streaks. These hardy perennial hybrids return faithfully year after year, producing stunning cut flowers. Although they can sometimes prove a little temperamental to grow, in the right conditions they will clump up and self-seed easily. Ideal for borders and rock gardens with cool, light, loose, sandy soil and a sunny position.

Alstroemeria 'Ligtu Hybrids' are perennial plants that belong to the Alstroemeriaceae family. They result from the cross between Alstroemeria haemantha and Alstroemeria ligtu, two species native to Chili and Peru hence the name Peruvian Lily. They occur naturally on the draining, rocky slopes of the Andean mountains in fairly acidic soil. The plants quickly form large clumps of sturdy, upright stems topped with thin, slightly pubescent, greyish-green leaves. In the spring and summer of their second year, the 65-cm-high stems produce terminal umbels of funnel-shaped flowers, comprised of 6 non-symmetrical, irregularly spotted or streaked petals. Their colours vary greatly, from bright red with yellow streaks, to salmon pink, yellow or cream. Alstroemeria are tuberous plants with thick, fleshy roots that are fragile and snap easily. They need light, loose soil to develop properly and must be handled with great care when transplanting. Alstromeria self-seeds easily.

Alstroemeria 'Ligtu Hybrids' are very popular cut flowers that are suitable for growing in beds, rock gardens, pots and window boxes. They are fairly temperamental plants: if their environment does not suit them, they can die overnight; if the conditions are right, they can soon become invasive. In the vegetable garden or on a well-drained, sunny bank they can be left to form large clumps that will continue to expand year after year.