Peruvian lily 'Christine Marsh' Alstroemeria 'Christine Marsh'
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ABOUT
'Christine Marsh' is a clump-forming perennial, to 75cm tall, with alternating, lance-shaped leaves and terminal clusters of 5cm wide flowers; the outer segments mid-pink flushed with dark-pink, the inner ones mid-pink streaked yellow and cream with brown flecks. Flowers appear in summer through into autumn
About this plant
Names
Synonyms
Peruvian Lily, Lily of the Incas, Parrot Lily.
Common names
Alstroemeria 'Christine Marsh'
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits
- Attractive Blooms: Alstroemeria, commonly known as Peruvian Lily, produces striking, colorful flowers that are visually appealing in garden landscapes and as cut flowers.
- Long Lasting Cut Flowers: Peruvian Lily flowers have a long vase life, making them a popular choice for floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Peruvian Lilies are relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less water and maintenance compared to other garden plants.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The bright and nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local biodiversity.
- Cold Hardy: Alstroemeria 'Christine Marsh' can withstand cooler temperatures, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation in varying climates.
- Seasonal Interest: Peruvian Lilies bloom for several months, providing color and interest throughout the growing season.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Photography Prop: The Alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, can be used as a vibrant subject in macro and still life photography due to its detailed petals and rich color.
- Craft Projects: The individual flowers and leaves of the Peruvian lily can be pressed and used in scrapbooking or to create beautiful, natural art pieces.
- Edible Decor: While not widely known for edibility, the petals of Peruvian lilies can be used as decorative, non-toxic garnishes for salads and desserts.
- Teaching Aid: Botany teachers can use Peruvian lilies to teach students about plant biology and the unique pollination mechanisms employed by this flower.
- Perfumery: Although not commonly used, the subtle scent of Peruvian lilies can be captured and used in custom perfume blends.
- Dye Source: The colorful petals of Peruvian lilies can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yarns, or papers.
- Ceremonial Use: In some cultures, Peruvian lilies can be used in ceremonial garlands or decorations as symbols of friendship and devotion.
- Marker of Seasons: Gardeners may use Peruvian lilies as a natural method to mark the passing of the seasons, as these flowers tend to bloom in the late spring and early summer.
- Floral Arrangement Teaching: Peruvian lilies are excellent for teaching floral arrangement techniques due to their long vase life and structural stems.
- Feng Shui: With their vibrant colors and association with prosperity and wealth, Peruvian lilies can be used to enhance the energy of a home or office in accordance with Feng Shui principles.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Peruvian Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Peruvian Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Friendship: The Alstroemeria, commonly known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, symbolizes lasting friendships due to the long-lasting nature of its blooms.
- Devotion: This flower represents mutual support and devotion, reflecting the intertwined leaves which symbolize the interwoven lives of friends.
- Prosperity: The Peruvian Lily is often associated with prosperity and fortune, its multiple flowers per stem suggesting abundance.
- Achievement: With its vibrant and diverse colors, the Alstroemeria signifies personal accomplishment and the realization of dreams.
- Wealth: In some cultures, giving a bouquet of Peruvian Lilies is said to wish someone wealth and prosperity.
Water
Peruvian lily should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week, supplying about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the size and the weather conditions. Ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil to encourage deep rooting. Reduce the frequency of watering during the dormant period in the winter but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Light
Peruvian lilies thrive in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate partial shade. The best spot for them would be a location where they receive morning sunlight and are protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their foliage. These plants can also adapt to full sun conditions if gradually acclimatized and adequately watered.
Temperature
Peruvian lilies favor temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle minimum temperatures down to about 23 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure optimal growth, protect the plant from extreme cold and frost by providing mulch or bringing them indoors if potted during colder months.
Pruning
Prune Peruvian lilies to remove spent flower stalks and encourage further blooming. Deadheading regularly will promote a continuous display of flowers. Cut back the foliage to the ground level in late fall or early winter, after the first frost, to keep the plant healthy and prepare it for the next growing season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Peruvian lilies, like Alstroemeria 'Christine Marsh', thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. Adding organic matter like well-rotted compost can improve soil structure and provide nutrients.
Repotting
Peruvian lilies typically need to be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate their growing root systems. Repotting is best done in the spring before the growing season starts.
Humidity & Misting
Peruvian lilies prefer moderate to high humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier air found in most homes without issue. There is no specific humidity requirement, but avoiding excessively dry air can help maintain healthy foliage.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright indirect light and keep soil moist for indoor Peruvian lilies.
Outdoor
Plant in fertile, well-draining soil with partial to full sun outdoors.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycle
The life of the Peruvian Lily 'Christine Marsh' begins with seed germination, where conditions such as light, temperature, and moisture trigger the growth of a new plant from a seed. Next, it enters the vegetative stage, developing roots, stems, and leaves as it matures. This herbaceous perennial then enters the flowering phase, typically in late spring or early summer, when it produces colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers that are rich in nectar and attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers are followed by the formation of capsule-like fruits that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As autumn approaches, the above-ground parts of the plant may die back, with the root system remaining dormant over winter. When spring arrives, the cycle starts anew from the underground rhizomes, ensuring its survival and propagation for the following season.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Alstroemeria 'Christine Marsh', also known as Peruvian Lily, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for propagating this plant. The ideal time to propagate Peruvian Lilies by division is in the early spring or late fall when the plant is not actively blooming. The process involves gently digging up the clumps of tubers and rhizomes from the ground and carefully separating them by hand, making sure each division has at least one or two shoots or growth points. These divisions are then replanted in well-draining soil, ideally in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Proper watering after replanting is crucial to ensure the divisions establish themselves and start a new growth cycle.