Alstroemeria is a vivid flower with tiger-like streaks on its petals, known as the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas. It is easy-going, comes in almost every colour and lasts two to three weeks in a vase, which is why florists love it. Here’s what alstroemeria means, what it looks like, how to care for a bouquet and whether you can grow it in a garden or pot.
Alstroemeria comes from South America, the mountains and coasts of Chile, Peru and Brazil, hence the names Peruvian lily and lily of the Incas.
Carl Linnaeus named it after his student, the Swedish botanist Clas Alströmer, who brought the seeds to Europe.
It is often misspelt, but the correct name is alstroemeria.
Each stem carries a cluster of 4–5 cm flowers with six petals; the inner ones bear dark streaks like tiger stripes.
A curious detail: its leaves twist on their stalks so that the upper surface ends up facing down.
Alstroemeria meaning
Its main meaning is friendship, devotion and mutual support, perfect for a friend or colleague.
By florists’ tradition, the six petals stand for six qualities of friendship: understanding, humour, patience, empathy, commitment and respect.
Pink means tenderness and care; red love and passion; white purity and support; yellow joy and friendship; orange energy; purple respect and admiration.
Caring for an alstroemeria bouquet
Alstroemeria is one of the longest-lasting cut flowers: with good care it lasts 2–3 weeks as the buds keep opening.
Fill the vase a third full with cool water and add flower food; we include a sachet with every bouquet.
Pick off yellowing leaves, which fade before the flowers and spoil the look.
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
Birthday
Hydrangeas