Alstroemeria: Lily Of The Incas
THE AMAZING AESTHETIC OF ALSTROEMERIA
Alstroemeria has become incredibly popular and a go-to flower. Known for its beauty and resiliency, it won’t break the bank and can be found at any florist or flower market.
“In this month of January, the alstroemeria, the flower entombed underground, comes up out of hiding to the high wastes. A blush of pink shows in the rock garden. My eyes take in its familiar triangle on the sand.”
–Pablo Neruda
- Alstroemeria—also known as the Peruvian Lily, Lily of the Incas, or Parrot Lily—has trumpet-shaped flowers (with six petals) and blooms in a vast variety of vivid colors. With small stripes on the inner petals, they actually look as if they’ve been painted with a brush and are any flower lover’s dream as they can last up to two weeks after being cut.
- It blooms in clusters and is native to South America (most notably in the mountains of Chile and Brazil). While they are a favorite cut flower, they also do well in a garden and are relatively low-maintenance.
- Alstroemeria is the perfect flower for those with allergies as they are unscented.
- With long stalks (that can grow as high as three feet) covered in plentiful green foliage, they are a statement-making, sleek choice and look extremely elegant in a tall, thin vessel.
“So did I think in January, looking at yesterday’s dryness; while now, timidly, crisply grown the gentle multitude of alstroemeria; and across what once was stone and dry plain, the ship of the wind passes, ripping the fragrant flowering waves.”
–Pablo Neruda
Colors and Meaning
(Miamiflowermarket.com)
When mixed together, a rainbow of alstroemeria blossoms makes quite a colorful statement. A refreshing choice to gift a friend or lover, these lilies can be either a romantic or platonic gesture. In a container or hand-tied with ribbon or twine, these flowers make a beautiful bouquet for any occasion (and have become increasingly popular at weddings).
- White symbolizes strength and, of course, purity.
- Yellow makes a sunny, energetic statement.
- Red represents passion.
- Pink is playful and romantic.
From Chelsea Flowers
- The Hunting We Will Go bouquet is perfect for that special someone who loves shabby-chic, country-themed décor. A wildflower arrangement reminiscent of something one would gather on a long walk in the countryside on a bright summer day… what’s not to love? The pink alstroemeria really pops (amidst the lisianthus, dill flower, and pale pink roses).
- Blooming Marvelous: With classic roses, vibrant gerbera daisies, alstroemeria, and santini chrysanthemums, this bouquet will last and last. After the roses wilt, the santini and alstroemeria should stay vibrant for a couple of weeks, and what’s better than that? This is the perfect “just because” floral surprise for that special someone.
For more information on alstroemeria and the bouquets from Chelsea Flowers (mentioned above), visit the links listed below:
https://www.bloomandwild.com/
https://chelseaflowers.co.uk/product/hunting-we-will-go/
https://chelseaflowers.co.uk/product/blooming-marvelous/
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