The Alstroemeria psittacina, which is also called the parrot lily, is a beautiful flower that looks great in any garden. This exotic beauty is sure to get people’s attention with its bright red, orange, or yellow flowers that look like parrot beaks. There is, however, proper care that must be given for the parrot lily to reach its full potential. This complete guide gives you important information on how to plant, grow, and take care of Alstroemeria psittacina.
Overview of Alstroemeria Psittacina
Native to Brazil Argentina, and Chile, the parrot lily is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows from rhizomes. It can reach up to 3-4 feet in height and spreads 12-18 inches wide. The lance-shaped leaves are deep green in color. From early summer to fall the parrot lily produces showy flowers on sturdy stalks. The blossoms last up to two weeks as cut flowers. This sun-loving plant thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10.
Growing Conditions
For your parrot lily to flourish, site selection is key. Here are the optimal growing conditions:
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Sun: Parrot lily needs full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is ideal.
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Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil amended with compost is best. In order for the soil to be healthy, its pH level should be between 6 and 7. 0-7. 0.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Water deeply 1-2 inches per week. Reduce watering in winter.
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Temperature: Parrot lily prefers warm weather with daytime temperatures of 60-80°F (15-27°C) and average summer temperatures around 70-90°F (21-32°C).
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Humidity: Moderately humid conditions around 50-60% relative humidity are optimal. Improve air circulation if humidity is higher.
How to Plant Parrot Lily
Spring is the best time to plant parrot lily. Follow these tips when planting:
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Prepare the planting bed by loosening soil and mixing in compost. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
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Dig holes twice the width of the root ball. Place the crown at soil level and backfill with surrounding soil.
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Water deeply after planting and apply mulch around plants to retain moisture.
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If starting in containers, choose at least a 10-12 inch pot and use well-draining potting mix. Harden off seedlings before transplanting outside after all danger of frost has passed.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance will keep your parrot lily thriving for years. Follow these key care guidelines:
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Water frequently so the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. Too much water will lead to root rot.
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Fertilize your Alstroemeria when in bloom. Use a high potash fertilizer each week during the growing season.
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Remove spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Cut back foliage after several hard frosts in fall.
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Monitor for common pests like aphids and thrips. Apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps if infestations occur.
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Improve air circulation and avoid overcrowding to prevent disease. Apply fungicides if botrytis blight is observed.
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In cold climates, provide winter mulch for insulation and protection from extreme cold and frost heave.
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Divide congested rhizomes every 2-3 years in early spring to rejuvenate plants.
How to Propagate Parrot Lily
Parrot lily is easily propagated by division in early spring:
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Dig up mature plants and divide the rhizomes using a clean, sharp knife.
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Each division should have 3-4 inch sections containing growing points and roots.
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Replant divisions 12-18 inches apart in prepared beds. Keep soil consistently moist while new plants establish.
You can also start new parrot lily plants from seeds indoors. However, this is a slower process and can take up to 2-3 years to reach flowering size.
Common Problems and Solutions
When provided with suitable growing conditions, parrot lily is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, here are some potential problems and solutions:
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Root rot from overwatering – Improve drainage and avoid excessive irrigation
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Aphids, thrips – Apply insecticidal soaps, neem oil or horticultural oils
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Botrytis blight – Space plants properly and improve air circulation
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Lack of blooms – Ensure adequate sunlight, divide overcrowded plants
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Foliar damage from frost – Provide winter insulation with mulch
Tips for Growing Parrot Lily in Containers
The parrot lily adapts well to container growing. Follow these tips for success:
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Choose a container at least 12-14 inches wide and deep. Use a quality potting mix.
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Site the container in full sun to partial shade. Move to a sheltered location in winter.
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Water more frequently, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Prune off spent blooms and dead or damaged foliage to keep plants looking tidy.
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Bring containers indoors to a cool, brightly lit location before first frost.
With its vibrant, exotic flowers and ease of care, Alstroemeria psittacina is a fabulous addition to gardens, borders, and patio containers. Following this comprehensive care guide will ensure your parrot lilies stay healthy and filled with gorgeous blooms year after year.
Common Alstroemeria Flower Care Questions and Concerns
The majority of Alstroemeria flowers are perennials, which means they’re long-lived, cold-hardy plants that return year after year. Once planted, perennials require less water, which makes them great plants for those who garden in dryer areas or want to reduce water consumption.
Tip: Plant perennials that are native to your area. This helps welcome pollinators and local wildlife to your Alstroemeria.
Should Alstroemeria be cut back?
Unlike many other perennials, Alstroemeria will remain green in warm climates until the bloom period. It’s recommended to not cut these plants to the ground since it will negatively affect the vegetative growth and stunt the flower blooms until the next season.
Tip: If the stems died during the winter, you can cut them off at the base to make the plant look better.
Growing alstroemerias – everything you need to know, esp how to pick them!
FAQ
How do you keep alstroemeria blooming?
Pruning and deadheading: This encourages the growth of new stems and another flush of blooms. When new shoots appear in the spring, clean up your plants by cutting off old stems to make room for new growth.
Do alstroemerias like pots or ground?
Container growing is extremely popular for alstroemeria, especially in gardens with challenging soil or limited space. These versatile plants perform beautifully in pots when given proper care. Ensure the pot you are using is large enough to keep the plants moist in warm weather.
Do alstroemeria need sun or shade?
Plants thrive in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Flowering may slow or stop in hot weather; prolong bloom by applying a thick layer of mulch at planting time to keep roots cool.
Do princess lilies need full sun?
Sunlight
Princess lilies thrive in locations with full morning sun and shade in the afternoon.