Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Perennials and bulbs
Exotic (South American) | Moderate Care | Perennials and bulbs
The Inca lily produces clusters of exotic-looking, lily-like flowers in a wide range of colours including pink, orange, yellow, red and bicolours, often with dark speckles and streaks on the petals.
The flowers are long-lasting, both in the garden and as cut flowers, and a well-established clump will flower for months through spring and summer. The fleshy, tuberous root system stores water and energy, which helps it cope with dry spells once established. It handles coastal conditions and moderate wind, though it does best in a somewhat sheltered, sunny spot with good soil. It earns the moderate rating because it is fussier about soil quality and moisture than the other perennials on this list, and newly planted stock can be slow to establish.
30 to 60 cm tall.
Moderate. Can be slow to establish in the first year, then builds momentum.
Border, cut flower garden, cottage garden, container. Outstanding as a cut flower, lasting up to two weeks in a vase.
Full sun to semi-shade. A spot with morning sun and some afternoon protection from the hottest summer sun is ideal.
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost. This is not a lean-soil plant; it needs fertile conditions to perform well. Good drainage is still essential because the tuberous roots rot in waterlogged ground.
Moderate. Water regularly through the growing and flowering season. It is not as drought-tolerant as the indigenous perennials on this list and needs consistent moisture for the best display. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Feed every two to three weeks through the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser or a slow-release granular fertiliser in spring and again in midsummer. It is a hungry plant.
Do not cut the stems; pull them gently from the base, which stimulates the crown to produce more flowering shoots. Deadhead spent flowers to keep the display tidy and encourage more blooms.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
