Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria aurea
Also called Peruvian lily and Lily of the Incas
Garden plant · PerennialsPull the stems rather than cutting them — a sharp tug at the base makes the plant send up more. And ASPCA clears the whole genus for pets, which cut flowers this common rarely manage.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 6 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, sheltered
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — an average winter RHS H4, to -10°C
- Size
- 0.75 m tall · 0.3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Chile
Is it safe for pets and people?
Its genus has been checked and nothing in it is listed as harmful — but this particular species has not been listed either way.
RHS calls it a skin allergen and says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it. Florists get a rash from it more than gardeners do.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-11.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.