Alstreomeria - Peruvian Lily

Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) is a really pretty flower that grows wild in South America.  The native flowers are usually yellow or orange, but the hybrids come in a whole assortment of colours.  They grow from a bulb, and a small yellow variety is hardy to zone 5.  Florists like them because they can be picked in bud and they open out nicely after they have been cut.  They last well in a vase and have good sturdy stems. In February, they are especially lovely.