Purple-Spot Parrot-Lily: A Rare Non-Native Perennial Worth Knowing About
Meet the purple-spot parrot-lily (Alstroemeria haemantha), a rather mysterious member of the beloved Alstroemeria family that’s managed to establish itself in parts of the southeastern United States. While you’ve probably heard of the more common Peruvian lilies that grace florist shops and garden centers, this particular species is something of a botanical enigma that deserves a closer look.
What Is Purple-Spot Parrot-Lily?
Purple-spot parrot-lily is a perennial forb, which simply means it’s a non-woody herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Like other members of the Alstroemeria genus, it grows from underground rhizomes and produces those characteristic lily-like flowers that have made its cousins so popular in gardens and flower arrangements.
This species is non-native to North America, having been introduced from its presumed South American origins. What’s interesting is that it has naturalized and now reproduces on its own in the wild without any human help – a sign that it’s found conditions to its liking in its adopted home.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, purple-spot parrot-lily has been documented growing wild in Georgia. Its limited distribution suggests it’s either a recent arrival to North American gardens or simply hasn’t found the right conditions to spread more widely.
Should You Plant Purple-Spot Parrot-Lily?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While this plant isn’t listed as invasive or noxious, there’s still a lot we don’t know about its long-term behavior in North American ecosystems. Its ability to naturalize and reproduce without human intervention shows it’s quite adaptable, which could be either a blessing or a concern depending on how aggressively it spreads.
If you’re drawn to exotic Alstroemeria species, you might find this one intriguing precisely because it’s uncommon and carries an air of mystery. However, given the limited information available about its specific growing requirements and ecological impact, you might want to consider some alternatives first.
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before diving into growing a non-native species with unknown ecological impacts, consider these beautiful native alternatives that offer similar appeal:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – attracts pollinators and has lovely purple-pink flowers
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – stunning red blooms that hummingbirds adore
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) – interesting foliage and unique flowers
- Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) – purple-blue flowers and grass-like foliage
If You Do Choose to Grow It
Unfortunately, specific growing information for Alstroemeria haemantha is quite limited. However, based on what we know about the Alstroemeria genus in general, you can expect it to prefer:
- Well-draining soil (most Alstroemeria species hate wet feet)
- Partial shade to full sun conditions
- Consistent moisture during the growing season
- Protection from extreme cold (though exact hardiness zones are unknown)
Like other Alstroemeria species, it likely grows from rhizomes that gradually spread to form colonies. Be prepared to monitor its growth carefully and be ready to contain it if it shows signs of spreading too aggressively.
The Bottom Line
Purple-spot parrot-lily represents one of those fascinating botanical mysteries that make plant enthusiasts curious. While it’s not necessarily a bad plant, the lack of specific information about its behavior, requirements, and ecological impact makes it a bit of a wild card in the garden.
If you’re new to gardening or looking for reliable, well-understood plants, you’re probably better off starting with native species or well-documented non-natives. But if you’re an experienced gardener who enjoys experimenting with unusual plants and can commit to monitoring its behavior, this rare Alstroemeria might be worth a try – just keep a close eye on it and be prepared to take action if it starts spreading beyond where you want it.
Whatever you decide, remember that every plant we choose to grow is a vote for the kind of landscape we want to create. Choose wisely!
