Lily of the Incas (Alstroemeria isabellana) is a clump-forming perennial bulb native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina that brings graceful coral-pink tubular flowers to gardens from June through September. Hardy in zones 7 to 10, this South American native grows 24 to 36 inches tall and spreads to similar widths, with distinctive grey-green, clasping foliage on upright to arching stems. The fragrant, showy flowers last exceptionally long in the vase, making this species both a stunning garden performer and a reliable cut flower that outlasts many commercial varieties.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-10
36in H x 36in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
Coral-pink tubular flowers held in umbels on tall stalks reach up to 2.5 feet, displaying a unique downward-facing habit that reorients as seed pods mature. The narrow, grey-green leaves create elegant textural contrast throughout the growing season, and the profuse flowering habit combines with exceptional vase life, flowers last nearly two weeks, to make this a genuinely useful plant for both borders and cutting. Most critically, this species performs well across a wide hardiness range when given consistent moisture, organically rich soil, and afternoon shade in hot climates, surviving winter temperatures as low as 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit with protection.
This variety excels as a naturalized perennial in mixed borders where it slowly forms expanding colonies under ideal conditions, and it thrives as a container specimen for gardeners in cooler climates who can bring plants indoors during winter. The primary strength lies in cut-flower production; the stiff flowering stems, profuse blooming habit, and two-week vase life make Alstroemeria isabellana one of the most reliable homegrown alternatives to commercial Peruvian lily bouquets. The fragrant flowers and tall, architectural growth also serve ornamental purposes in garden design, particularly where early afternoon shade mitigates heat stress in hot summer regions.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Spread the finger-like roots over a mound of soil in the manner used for bare-root roses. Plant in spring once soil can be worked and night temperatures remain above freezing. Spacing should accommodate mature spread of 24 to 36 inches.
Cut flowers for the vase when tubular blooms are fully open, selecting stems with multiple flowers in the umbel cluster. The rigid stems and extended vase life mean flowers remain fresh and vibrant for nearly two weeks, far outlasting many commercial cut-flower alternatives. Harvest in early morning for maximum water uptake and longevity.
Remove spent flowering stems at the base to encourage continued blooming throughout the June to September season. In cold-winter climates, cut back remaining foliage after the first frost or allow it to die back naturally before winter mulching. No other pruning is required for this species.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“The Alstroemeria genus encompasses roughly 50 species, all native to South America with concentrations in Brazil (favoring summer growth) and Chile (winter growers). Known by the common names Peruvian lily and lily of the Incas, this genus has become deeply embedded in the global cut-flower industry through the development of hybrid strains that prize stiff stems, prolonged flowering, and vase longevity. Alstroemeria isabellana itself originates from the subtropical regions of eastern and southern Brazil alongside Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina, representing the wild species ancestry from which modern hybrids descend.”