Purple-spot parrot-lily (Alstroemeria haemantha)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −6.7 °C
Cultivation
An easily grown plant. 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.
Propagation
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. Division in April or October with care since the plant resents root disturbance.
Edible uses
Root - cooked. It is very nutritious but has a rather bland flavour[K].
Habitat
Well-drained rocky hillsides.
Native range
S. America - Chile