- Carithers Flowers Main Website- Wikipedia: Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria

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Alstroemeria is a flower from South America that is commonly referred to as the Peruvian Lily or the Lily of the Incas. Ironically, it is usually found in central Chile and eastern Brazil, with the species from Chile usually growing in the winter and those from Brazil in the summer. The plant is named after Claus van Alstroemeria after he collected plant’s seeds on a trip to South America in 1753. Though there are many different species of the plant, the most common and colorful hybrids of Alstroemeria cross the Brazilian flowers with the Chilean ones so that the flowers are essentially evergreens and in bloom for most of the year. These breeding discoveries are due to trials completed in the United States throughout the 1980s.

There are over 190 different types of the flower, with colors ranging from white, golden yellow, orange, apricot, pink, red, purple to lavender. Typically there are 6 pedals on an Alstroemeria stretching upward and outward from its base. This gives the flower a similar look to a miniature lily. The main stem of a cut Astroemeria flower is normally two to three feet in length, though naturally the flower can range anywhere from one to five feet depending on the species. One way to denote the difference between an Alstroemeria and more common lilies is that the Astroemeria leaves are resupinate. This means that the pedals twist from the base of the plant so that the upper leaves appear to be the lower leaves and vice versa.

Growing Recommendations - Alstromeria

The flower is healthiest when it receives at least 6 hours of sun per day and water regularly. Alstroemeria in a garden bloom during the late spring or early summer, and they have a vase life of about two weeks. Due to their bright colors and unique characteristics, Alstroemeria are very popular for bouquets and other flowers arrangements.

Photos of Alstroemeria

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