Hummingbirds make bee-line to red Peruvian lilies

This is one part in a weekly series featuring the UC Davis Arboretum’s “Pollinator Plant List: Hummingbirds” series – 30 can’t-fail, easy-care, low-water plants well adapted to our region and that attract hummingbirds.

‘Inca Joli’ Peruvian lily

Alstroemeria ‘Koncajoli’ (Inca Joli)

Size: 18 to 24 inches tall.

Bloom season: Cherry red flowers in spring.

Exposure: Full sun or partial shade.

Pruning needs: Remove spent stems in summer

Water needs: Medium to low; once established, water deeply once a week or every other week.

Snapshot: Peruvian lilies are tough, low-water perennials that spread underground, multiplying rapidly with little effort. These lilies produce beautiful flowers in spring that are long lasting in both the garden and flower arrangements. The Inca Joli variety features bright cherry-red petals splashed with gold. That red color is sure to attract hummingbirds. Without irrigation, foliage dies back in summer, returning with cool, moist fall weather.

For more on “Pollinator Plant List: Hummingbirds,” click on arboretum.ucdavis.edu.

This story was originally published November 10, 2017 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Hummingbirds make bee-line to red Peruvian lilies."