Alstroemeria: The Vibrant and Long-Lasting Lily of Friendship
Alstroemerias, also known as Peruvian lilies, are cherished for their striking, trumpet-shaped blooms and unique, speckled petals. They symbolise friendship, devotion, and mutual support, making them a popular choice for bouquets and floral arrangements meant to convey affection and gratitude. Originally from South America, particularly Peru and Brazil, alstroemerias are available in a wide range of colours, including pink, yellow, orange, red, purple, and white. Their long vase life and sturdy stems make them an excellent choice for fresh-cut floral displays.
COMMON NAME
Alstroemeria, Peruvian Lily
BOTANICAL NAME
Alstroemeria spp.
ORIGIN
South America (Peru, Brazil, Chile)
PEOPLE ALSO CALL IT
Lily of the Incas
FLOWERING TIME
Summer (June to September)
ASPECT
Full sun to partial shade
SYMBOLISM
Friendship, devotion, prosperity, perseverance
Care Tips for Cut Alstroemerias in a Vase
Trim Stems at an Angle: Cut stems diagonally before placing them in water to enhance water absorption.
Remove Excess Leaves: Strip any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth.
Use Fresh Water and Floral Preservative: Change the water every two days and add flower food to extend their vase life.
Keep in a Cool Spot: Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources to prolong the freshness of the flowers.
Allow Time to Bloom: Alstroemeria buds may arrive closed but will open gradually over a few days, revealing their beautiful speckled petals.
Symbolism & Meaning
Alstroemerias are widely recognized as the "friendship flower," representing devotion, mutual support, and the strong bond between close friends. They also symbolize prosperity and perseverance, as their twisting stems reflect overcoming obstacles. In floral gifting, Alstroemerias are often used to express gratitude and appreciation, making them a thoughtful choice for celebrating friendships and milestones.
Types of Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria comes in many colorful varieties, often classified by their hues and markings. Alstroemeria aurea features bright yellow and orange tones, while Alstroemeria ligtu showcases soft pastel shades. The Inticancha series is a more compact variety, ideal for containers and small gardens. With their diverse colors and patterns, Alstroemerias bring a lively and elegant touch to both floral arrangements and outdoor landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria is mildly toxic to cats but not as dangerous as true lilies (Lilium or Hemerocallis species).
It contains tulipalin A, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation if ingested.
While not highly toxic, it is best to keep alstroemeria out of reach of curious cats to prevent ingestion.
Alstroemeria thrives in containers and can produce abundant flowers if grown properly. Here’s how to cultivate them in pots:
- Choose the right pot
- Use a deep container (at least 30 cm deep) with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Use well-draining soil
- A mix of compost, loam, and sand works best. Avoid heavy clay soils.
- Planting depth and spacing
- Plant tubers 10-15 cm deep, with the growing tips facing upwards.
- Space multiple plants 15-20 cm apart if using a large container.
- Sunlight requirements
- Place the pot in a location that receives full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
- Watering
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water regularly but allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
- Fertilizing
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 5-10-10) every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for healthy blooms.
- Deadheading and pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
- Instead of cutting stems, gently pull them from the base to promote stronger regrowth.
- Winter care
- In cold climates, move the pots indoors before frost, or mulch heavily if kept outside.
Alstroemeria is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can be grown in gardens or containers with proper care:
- Choose the right location
- Alstroemeria thrives in full sun to partial shade and needs well-draining soil.
- Soil preparation
- Mix in organic compost to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0).
- Planting depth and spacing
- Plant tubers 10-15 cm deep and 30 cm apart to allow healthy root expansion.
- Watering needs
- Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.
- Deep watering once or twice a week is best.
- Fertilizing schedule
- Use a slow-release or liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
- Supporting the plant
- Taller varieties may need staking to prevent bending under heavy blooms.
- Deadheading and maintenance
- Instead of cutting, pull stems gently from the base to encourage new flower production.
- Winter care
- In mild climates, Alstroemeria remains evergreen.
- In colder areas, mulch heavily in winter or dig up tubers and store them in a cool, dry place.
Yes, Alstroemeria is a perennial, meaning it regrows every year.
In colder climates, it is often treated as an annual unless the tubers are protected over winter.
Once established, Alstroemeria can bloom continuously from late spring through autumn, making it a favorite for cut flower gardens.