🌵✨Foliage Friday Spotlight: Alstroemeria spp. - Peruvian Lily✨🌵 Where to find in our garden: Mountain stream exhibit, children’s trail ✨ Plant Profile: Name: Alstroemeria spp. - Peruvian Lily Origin: Native to South America Type: Long-lived perennial in the Alstroemeriaceae family Bloom Time: Blooms in late spring through early fall and can persist for months ✨ Growth & Appearance: Height: Long stems can reach up to 5 feet tall, but typically grow to 1-3 feet in height Leaves: Smooth, ovate green leaves are alternately arranged about the stem Shape: Upright growth, but spreading roots allow plants to form “clumps” and become bushy Color: Alstroemeria spp. Has a wide variety of brightly colored blooms, including yellow, pink, white, orange, and more. At least 190 cultivars have been developed! ✨ Adaptations: Drought Tolerance: Thick, tuberous roots allow for water storage, making Alstroemeria relatively drought tolerant. Above-ground foliage dies back in the winter to preserve energy. Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for maximum blooming Soil: Prefers well draining and slightly acidic soil Cold Tolerance: Cold hardy to around 24 degrees F, with some more hardy varieties tolerating down to 5 degrees F. ✨ Uses: Ornamental: Long bloom season means that Alstroemeria will add a pop of color to your yard for months at a time! Cut Flowers: Long lasting flowers in bouquets (up to two weeks) and the showy patterns on these flowers make them prized for floral designs Low-Maintenance: Generally resistant to pests and disease and spreads on its own through underground tubers. These flowers will come back on their own year after year. Propagation: Easy to propagate through root division #TheWaterConservationGarden #OtayWaterDistrict #HelixWaterDistrict #SDWA #CityofSD #SweetwaterAuthority #GCCCD #GraptoveriaDebbie #PastelSucculents (fb)

🌱 We’re so excited to partner with San Diego Seed Swap for a special summer event at The Water Conservation Garden! 🌼 Join us on Saturday, June 28th from 10AM–1PM for a day of community, connection, and of course — seeds! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is the perfect chance to swap, share, and grow 🌿 ✨ Registration is required — sign up on our website under the Events tab! Let’s grow something beautiful together 💚 #SanDiegoSeedSwap #WaterConservationGarden #SeedSwap #GardenTogether #GrowLocal #SustainableLiving #SanDiegoEvents #PlantCommunity #GardeningFun #thewaterconservationgarden (fb)