Lily of the Incas Alstroemeria psittacina

Parrot flower is an herbaceous perennial in the Alstroemeriaceae family and is native to Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. It has been widely grown as ornamental. It has escaped cultivation and spread to New Zealand, Wales, Australia, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Southeastern USA. It is now found in TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, and FL

Parrot lily grows in dense clumps that expand by tubers. 5-7 showy flowers top 2-3 foot stems in mid-summer to early fall. They do best in well-drained moist soil but are somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Plant in full to partial sun. The tubers can survive temperatures of 5-10 F in winter with mulch. In colder regions, this plant can be grown in a pot and brought indoors for winter.

Use this plant in containers, borders, cutting gardens, pollinator gardens or planted in masse. It is low-maintenance once established and hummingbirds and bees are attracted to the blooms

Propagation can be done by seeds or division of tubers. Divide tubers in winter or very early spring.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally problem free but slugs can occur. Considered a weed in New South Wales and parts of Australia. Spreads faster in warm climates that cooler ones.