Alstroemeria pelegrina L.

A perennial plant. It has underground rhizomes. It grows 30-60 cm high and spreads 20-40 cm across. There are separate leafy and flowering stems from the underground rhizome. The leaves are 8 cm long. The flowers are in small clusters. They are white or pink with a yellow centre and purple-red flecks. The seed capsules open suddenly spreading seed.

It grows naturally in sand dunes along the coast in Chile and Peru. It requires a moist well drained soil and a warm situation. They can grow in seaside gardens. It suits a Mediterranean climate. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.

The root is cooked and eaten.

Plant roots 15-20 cm deep when dormant. Plants can be grown from seed. Stored seed need to be treated by soaking in warm water for 12 hours before planting. Plants do not transplant easily.