Commonly known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, the Alstroemeria is a perennial plant that features some of the most extraordinary petals. Rather than a block of colour, it’s often speckled and two-toned which looks absolutely fetching in a bunch. But more importantly, the meaning behind them sends a rather powerful (and poetic) message for both platonic friends and romantic lovers. Read more about this beauty below!
ALSTROEMERIA FLOWER COLOURS, MEANING & GIFTING OCCASION
White Alstroemeria Meaning
- Love
- Strength
- Support
- Purity
When To Gift White Alstroemeria
- Weddings
- Dates and anniversaries
- Funerals
Pink Alstroemeria Meaning
- Romance
- Playfulness
When To Gift Pink Alstroemeria
- Valentine’s Day
- Dates and anniversaries
Yellow Alstroemeria Meaning
- Devotion
- Friendship
When To Gift Yellow Alstroemeria
- Siblings Day
- International Friendship Day
Red Alstroemeria Meaning
- Passion
- Love
When To Gift Red Alstroemeria
- Valentine’s Day
- Dates and anniversaries
Orange Alstroemeria Meaning
- Positive energy
- Passion
When To Gift Orange Alstroemeria
Purple Alstroemeria Meaning
- Beauty
- Elegance
When To Gift Purple Alstroemeria
- Mother’s Day
- International Women’s Day
- Weddings and anniversaries
IMPORTANT GIFTING NOTES FOR ALSTROEMERIA
Alstroemeria For Gifting: Do's
- The Alstroemeria is scentless, ideal for gifting to folks who have allergies!
- With connections to feelings of friendship, love, strength, devotion, and mutual support, the Alstroemeria is perfect for gifting on the 4th anniversary, where presents of fruit and flowers are expected.
Alstroemeria For Gifting: Don'ts
- As part of the Lily family, the Alstroemeria are a little poisonous to cats. While not causing outright kidney failure, they can cause tummy and skin irritation when ingested. Do not gift them to a cat owner!
- Damaged plants and bulbs may cause dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin through direct contact.
ALSTROEMERIA FLOWER CARE 101
Alstroemerias are particularly finicky. If it’s too cold, they won’t sprout, and if it’s too hot, they will stop producing flowers altogether. Though it might be more painstaking to care for them, the experience will certainly be a rewarding one. Here’s how to make them bloom under your touch if you’re the recipient of a Happy Bunch!
Basic Care Steps For Cut Alstroemeria
- Alstroemerias can last up to 14 days, so make all the days count! Upon receiving Alstroemerias, make an inch-long diagonal cut to the bottom of each stem to help the water flow up to the blossom.
- Remove any dead foliage below the waterline to prevent bacteria growth.
- Need more tips? Read our Flower Care Guide!
Additional Pro-Tips for Alstroemeria Flower Care
- Alstroemerias are thirsty flowers and require frequent watering. Keep checking in to make sure they have plenty of water!
- Otherwise, consider placing the stems into saturated floral foam before putting the flowers in a vase.
ALSTROEMERIA: A HISTORY
The Alstroemeria was named after Claus von Alstromer, a Swedish baron who first discovered the beautiful bloom in the 18th century. After which, the botanist simply brought the seeds from Peru (hence, the alternate name Peruvian Lily), cultivated them, and the rest is pretty much history!
In addition to its general symbolisms, the Alstroemeria’s six petals also represent different characteristics: humor, understanding, empathy, patience, commitment, and respect. Keep an Alstroemeria bunch near you and you might just attract new friends into your life!
ALSTROEMERIA VARIETIES
About 50 species of Alstroemeria can be found on the slopes and grasslands of South America. We take a look at some of the standout ones that you might find in an Alstroemeria bouquet:
Blushing Bride
- Soft white petals
- Baby pink throat
- Thrives in full sunlight
Adonis
- Magenta petals
- Bright yellow throat
- Thrives in partial shade
Alstroemeria Aurea
- Golden-yellow petals
- Orange throat
- Thrives in full sunlight
How About An Unconventional Confession?
If you’re thinking about how to avoid romantic clichés on anniversaries or even Love Day, turn heads with a bunch vibrant of Alstroemerias instead!
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