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Lavender companion · grow guide
Peruvian Lily · Alstroemeria
Peruvian lily wants sun with some afternoon relief, rich well-drained soil, and steady moisture. In cold Northern gardens it needs deep winter mulch or a frost-free spot.
Check my zone & planting dates
Full sunLight
Moderate waterAverage drainage
pH 6.0–7.0Soil
Zones 6a–9bHardiness
42″ tall36″ wide
Some resistanceDeer · rabbits some resistance
Not known toxicPets
Huckleberry saysTell me where you grow and I’ll check if Summer Break will thrive there.
Hardy in zones 6a–9b
Spring after frost danger. In cold regions plant early so roots establish before winter.
Your year with Summer Break
When it arrives
Plugs are small and dry out fast. Water on arrival, keep in bright light, and harden off a week before planting. Pot up 72-cell plugs into 4 in pots and grow on until roots fill the pot before planting out. Roots snap easily. Plant out after frost.
Spring after frost danger. In cold regions plant early so roots establish before winter.
Roots are brittle, finger-like tubers. Spread them over a small mound and cover. Set plugs slightly deeper than they grew for cold protection.
About 12-18 in apart; compact types closer.
Fertile loam high in organic matter · pH 6.0–7.0
Fix-it tip: Work in compost to hold moisture while still draining. In clay, raise the bed; the tuberous roots rot in waterlogged soil.
Full sun (tolerates part shade).
In hot summers, afternoon shade keeps it blooming longer; in cool climates give full sun.
Don’t give up on it
Comes up later than many perennials once soil warms; in cold areas, shoots may not show until mid to late spring. Don't dig to check; the brittle roots break.
Wait for late shoots; feed once growth appears.
Pull spent stems, water steadily, feed again mid-summer.
Mulch deeply after frost or bring pots into frost-free storage.
Keep mulched or stored pots cool and barely moist.
First season: Keep soil evenly moist (not soggy) the first season, about 1 in per week.
After that: Water deeply in dry weather; mulch keeps roots cool and moist.
Feed with a balanced or higher-potassium fertilizer in spring and again in summer, especially in pots. Too much nitrogen means leaves over flowers.
Once plants are established, pull spent stems with a sharp upward tug from the base to stimulate new buds. In the first summer, cut stems instead of pulling.
Avoid dividing; the roots are brittle and resent disturbance.
NC State rates it zones 7-10. In zone 5-6 gardens, mulch about 8 in deep in fall (RHS) or grow it in a pot and store dormant in a cool, frost-free place. Hardiness varies by variety.
Blooms best with warm days and cool nights. In hot, humid stretches flowering may slow; mulch and steady water help.
Plant didn't come back in springLikely cause: Winter cold or wet killed the roots
What to do: In cold zones mulch deeply each fall or overwinter in a pot indoors at cool temps.
Lots of leaves, few flowersLikely cause: Too much nitrogen or too much shade
What to do: Switch to a high-potassium feed and give more sun.
Yellowing lower leavesLikely cause: Dry soil (or soggy roots)
What to do: Check moisture a few inches down; water deeply or improve drainage.
Itchy rash after handlingLikely cause: Sap causes contact dermatitis
What to do: Wear gloves when pulling stems or dividing.
Yellowing leaves can mean underwatering; wilting with mushy roots means too wet. Both stress invites aphids and mites.
ASPCA lists Peruvian lily as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Sap can irritate human skin.
Deer: somewhat resistant · Rabbits: somewhat resistant
Finnegan saysStill not sure what’s wrong? Ask Plant Health — describe it or add a photo.
Good in pots · 3 gallon+
A good option in the North: grow in a large pot with gritty mix, feed in summer, and move to a cool frost-free garage or basement for winter.
Overwinter only
Store potted plants dormant and nearly dry in a cool, frost-free place over winter; bring out after frost.
Best after a cold winter
Cool soil temperatures drive flowering, so a cool spring and a winter rest help; garden types bloom without special treatment.
Plugs from the tray
3–4 inch pots for 3–5 weeks, until roots hold the soil
Garden bed or a 3 gallon potTime to move up? Slide the plant out: if white roots wrap the outside of the soil, it’s ready for the next size.
Planting with lavender
Plant it near your lavender
Plant in a neighboring bed with richer, moister soil. It likes more water and compost than lavender, so sharing one dry bed shortchanges one or the other.
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