Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Alstroemeria Flowers

by Robert Canning on June 17, 2022

Although many people are unfamiliar with the name alstroemeria, most flower aficionados would instantly identify these vibrant Peruvian lilies. 

The vibrant hues and upward-facing blooms are ideal for completing bouquets and arrangements, and each colour has its own significance to convey a completely distinctive message. 

Alstroemeria is a striking lily with a lengthy vase life, which gives it a frequent connotation of longevity and good health. Like other lilies that were popularly grown in the Victorian era, it has also been a representation of romantic love since then.

The meaning of alstroemeria flowers, their history and origins, applications and advantages, and their cultural significance worldwide are covered in the sections below.

Concerning Alstroemeria Flowers

Alstroemeria is often referred to as Inca Lily, Peruvian Lily, and Lily of the Incas. They are used more like cut flowers than landscaping elements because their range is restricted to arid and subtropical countries. 

Although they require little care, residents in California and many other warm but mild areas can enjoy them as outdoor flowering plants.

Colors, Scents, and Characteristics

These blooms are perennial and grow from tubers like many other lilies and related flowers. They can grow to a height of three to four feet. While some cultivars produce umbels of numerous blooms, others only produce one bloom per stem.

Origins and History

The Alstroemeria lilies were found and introduced to Europe by Baron Von Alströmer in the 1700s while he was investigating the Incas in Peru. 

They immediately became successful because they were well fitted to the hothouse culture that was prevalent at the time. They were only occasionally cultivated until they were brought to Europe.

Cultural Importance

There aren’t many references to alstroemeria flowers; therefore, it’s unclear what the Ancient Incans thought of these blooms. They didn’t play a significant role in the iconography that is still present in that region, despite the fact that they were bound to encounter them while travelling across the chilly mountain ranges of Brazil and Chile.

Uses and Advantages

The blossoms themselves can irritate the skin and are dangerous. However, if completely cooked, the tubers of the majority of Alstroemeria species are edible. Since some types are hazardous, you should only try eating the tubers after confirming the precise species and their edibility.

Plant with caution because all parts of the alstroemeria plant can irritate animals and pets. The big, vivid blooms are a favourite with bees and other pollinators.

An excellent cut flower, alstroemeria is frequently used in bridal bouquets. They are the perfect spring flowers to ring in the new season and look lovely in any floral arrangement.

Meaning and Symbolism

Alstroemeria has a lot of cultural significance in addition to making an excellent accent to a bouquet or potted plant. It makes sense that it is simple to convey a number of meanings with the same flower when you consider the wide range of colours available.

Occasions Perfect for Alstroemeria Flowers

Alstroemeria can be a wonderful addition to a bouquet for romance or a proclamation of love depending on the hue. Choose red and other romantic hues for the ideal gift, together with additional symbolic flowers like the red rose, to effectively convey your message.

Conclusion

Large, vibrant, and arresting alstroemeria blossoms capture the eye. The flower’s capacity to remain unharmed for a full two weeks in a vase contributes to its added connotation of longevity and wellness. 

Any bouquet that needs a simultaneous punch of colour and shape should include this flower. The twisted foliage on the stalks might even enhance the bloom’s brilliance.

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