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Peruvian Lilies (Alstroemeria pelegrina) are members of the Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae) family and occur naturally in cool mountainous regions of Chile, Brazil and Peru. The genus is named after Claus Alstroemer, a pupil of the great botanical classifier Linnaeus who went to South America and sent back Alstroemeria seeds. These late spring blooming perennial flowers are like miniature lilies, with spotted or striped markings, shaded colour, or contrasting patches and attract bees, butterflies, and birds. The smooth light green leaves twist at their base so that the upper and lower surfaces are reversed and internally the anatomy has adapted to this reversed position; interestingly, Alstroemeria stems move rhythmically from side to side in a spiral motion as the plant produces new cells in a spiral sequence — you can sometimes see a spiral growth pattern on the stem. These hermaphroditic plants typically grow from two to three feet high and are frost tolerant.

Alstroemeria are sensitive to soil temperature and will put effort into producing more tuberous roots at the expense of flowering shoots when soil temperatures rise; because of this, Peruvian Lilies should be planted in partial or bright shade to ensure good flower production — container grown plants will heat up much more quickly than plants in open ground. Alstroemeria are fairly easy to cultivate in rich, well-drained soil in our local climate and, with few pests or diseases to inhibit growth, can quickly become invasive if not controlled by deep borders. Its tubers spread rapidly about one to two feet below the surface in finger-length roots. Propagation is by division, and the plant sap can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.

Alstroemeria produce beautiful cut flowers that last about two weeks in water; because the leaves yellow long before the flower, it's recommended that leaves be removed before arranging.

Peruvian lilies trumpet their beauty
alstroemeria

Robert Smaus

Though alstroemeria are available in stores year-round, the best time to plant is fall through early spring. Lily-shaped Alstroemeria trumpets its appeal.

By Nan Sterman

October 25, 2008

Alstroemeria are some of the most beautiful low-water plants in the garden. Upright green stems can rise about 4 feet high, topped by a cluster of lily-shaped trumpets.

The colors and patterns of the 3-inch flowers, known to many as Peruvian lilies, are stunning. They range from nearly white, soft pink and pale yellow to brilliant gold, bright red and intense magenta, even purple. Most are multicolored with yellow throats and burgundy or black speckles and streaks.

Though they're available in stores year-round, the best time to plant is fall through early spring. These lilies are native not only to Peru, but also to Chile, Argentina and Brazil. They first appeared in California's floral trade in the early 1980s. Another decade passed before the plants made their way into local nurseries. During that time, hybridizers were working on their color, height and bloom time.

In nature, the lilies sprout new stems in fall, bloom through spring, then retreat into the ground to survive the heat of summer. New "ever blooming" varieties have been bred to shorten the cycle; dormancy is limited and plants bloom nearly year-round.

Dig up a clump of Peruvian lilies, and you'll see that their pinkie-sized tubers store water, helping them to survive dry times. As the plants mature, the number of tubers increases, making these lilies easy to divide and share. See one you love in a neighbor's garden? Ask for a few tubers to take home.

Peruvian lilies bloom best in full sun, but they also tolerate part shade. Well-draining soil is best, whether you're putting them in the ground or in a pot. Plants need little water once established. If the blooms are sparse, increase watering a bit or move the plants to a sunnier location. For maximum bloom, feed once in early spring and once in early fall with all-purpose organic fertilizer.

Some older varieties, especially the species Peruvian lilies, reseed aggressively. Newer hybrids have sterile flowers, largely eliminating that problem. Even so, plant where they have plenty of room to expand. Some varieties can spread to 5 feet across.

Part of the plant's appeal is its yield of flowers. Harvest the stems as buds begin to open. Rather than cut stems with a scissors or shears, grab each one a few inches below the flowers, and yank the entire stem from the ground. Yes, yank it. If other stems have finished blooming, yank those too. Prevailing wisdom holds that the tubers will sprout more flowering stems. The more you yank, the more flowers you get.

Some of the more commonly available varieties include 'Tricolor,' with yellow-throated, white and bright pink flowers with brownish streaks; the 'Princess' series of dwarfs (8 to 12 inches tall) with multicolored pink, orange, magenta or coral blooms; and 'Third Harmonic,' which is peachy orange and coral pink with burgundy streaks.

Sterman is a freelance writer.

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I was waiting for this. This is more organized and cool

How do you get the Britney.com pages in other languages up to date? All by yourself? Or Altavista?

hi im new to this site and im a fan of britney , i was just looking around on the site and was wondering does britney ever get to read the nice things people say about her ? i have a family member who lives in usa and believe it or not she went to the same school as her . and she was her friend ive seen picture of them together will get them to send me them so you all can see ?

Hellooo....

Britney.com ROX! I ♥ it so much! Great Job with the new version!

is she coming to Australia any time because i'd love to
meet her.....she's beautiful & i would love to get an autograph
of her.....i like sarah michelle gellar who i think is awsome
but yeh britney has heaps more to offer in regards to fanship
so i do like her.

Everything flows alot better than the old one and I have no complaints or anything.

I mean it is BS Weekly

The Best Stuff Weekly! Why complain?

And BRITannica, I know I say this alot but YOU ROCK baby!

You're too sweet! Best Stuff Weekly LOL I like that. In answer to your question though... "For Britney's Eyes Only" is more just a figure of speech... just a cute way of saying that it's where fans can feel like they're talking directly to Brit. xx

vary nice i like the place but id have more fun if you people put a chat room on here

Now you can't say I never talk to you... Glad you're loving it here!!! xx

DO U WANNA KNOW SOMETHING I LOVE THIS SITE AND www.britneyspears.com BOTH ROCKS¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ WE ARE FANS OF BRITNEY ISNT IT OBVIOUS.
PD) MY BROTHER IS TOTALLY IN LOVE 4 BRITNEY OOOOH.

XOXO

WE REALLY LOVE U DONT MATTER WHO U ARE. GOD SEES NO COLORS LOL¡¡ I HOPE THIS IS A BAD JOKE

Okay , we all know on this website , that britney was going to release the album called The Original Doll during November 2006 . So im wondering what ever happened to it , it did not get released why? Most impotantly want happen to all of the songs she recorded on the album? Are they still with jive? If they are , guess what britney should release it as some kind of compliation album , on itunes , because she made like 15-20 songs on it i think . We sould all be able to hear them. So can you please tell jive about this idea! please! And if u cant , i understand. But please do if you can. I know u are dieing to hear these songs tooo

Coded I made this widget at MyFlashFetish.com.

Hey guys whats up? im Koolkat im hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's just amazing BRITannica! You rock it!

Ah, Paulo, eu também sou brasileiro! Compartilhamos o amor à Britney!

HOW ARE U GIRL??? IS BRITNEY COMING TO MEXICO AND LATIN AMERICA?? WE LOVE HER SO MUCH U ROCK GIRL THANKS 4 ALL.

I REALLY HOPE THAT BRITNEY GOES TO BRAZIL AND COMES TO MEXICO EITHER BRITNEY KNOWS HOW MUCH WE LOVE HER HERE IN LATIN AMERICA: COLOMBIA, ARGENTINA, CHILE ETC, ETC.................................................................................................................... YOULL SEE HE LOVE US A LOT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ WE ARE HER TRULY FANS

IS A MUST BRITNEY COME PLEASE COME TO LATIN AMERICA

you are totally right i hope that Britannica TELL US some information of the dvd the combo circus+ onyx hotel and other cd its gonna rock and we need it