Peruvian-lily

Alstroemeria aurea Graham

Golden Peruvian lily produces numerous yellow to deep orange trumpets above annually renewed leafy stems. Within each flower, the upper two inner segments carry reddish-brown to almost black spots. The bright ground colour and darker markings make the individual flower distinctly patterned, even when several blossoms combine into a larger display. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria HortFlora: Alstroemeria aurea

Botanical name

Alstroemeria aurea Graham is accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. The supplied database name identifies the same species. Kew Plants of the World Online: Alstroemeria aurea Graham

Recognizing the plant

Elongated rhizomes and tuberous roots support this perennial below ground. The leafy stems can reach about a metre tall. Leaves are narrowly ovate with hairless margins, and the flowers measure roughly four to five centimetres long. Stamens remain shorter than the floral segments. The underground spreading system contrasts with the annual replacement of its above-ground stems. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria HortFlora: Alstroemeria aurea

Bloom window

southeastern Australia

The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria's horticultural flora records spring-to-summer flowering in southeastern Australia. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria HortFlora: Alstroemeria aurea

Native range

Despite the common name Peruvian lily, this species is native to Chile and Argentina, from central and south-central Chile into southern Argentina. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria also records naturalised populations in Victoria and notes that some forms can become weedy there. Alstroemeria aurantiaca is an older name for the same species. Kew Plants of the World Online: Alstroemeria aurea Graham Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria HortFlora: Alstroemeria aurea

Botanical sources

Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.