Eucrosia bicolor Ker Gawl. 1817, commonly called Peruvian Lily, is a perennial, tropical plant, native to Ecuador and Peru.

The Peruvian Lily belongs to the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), its natural habitat are seasonally dry lowland areas. Eucrosia bicolor grows from bulbs, which get a size of about 4,5 cm across. There are 2 varieties known, Eucrosia bicolor var. bicolor with yellow stamens (see image below), native to Ecuador and Eucrosia bicolor var. plowmanii with red stamens, native to Peru. The umbellate flowers are born on stems, which reach heights of about 60-90 cm.
Flowering period: Spring - Summer.

The Peruvian Lily should be planted with the bulb about half out of the soil. Don`t use fertilized soil, as the plant will just grow plenty of leaves, but will not set flowers. Eucrosia bicolor plants should be kept dry during the winter rest, whilst the plant awake in spring it should be fertilized lightly with a low in nitrogen fertilizer. Peruvian Lilies require a warm-hot climate and a location in partial shade or full sun. Flowers are sterile, means, they will not set seeds or seeds will not germinate. Eucrosia bicolor plants are propagated by dividing bulbs,
which is best done in early spring.
In our home country Thailand, the Peruvian Lily is called Wan Ma-ha Larp and is considered as a “lucky plant”. As planted in front of shops or houses the plant should bring wealth.

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Image: Peruvian Lily (Eucrosia bicolor)