Floral Focus: Why We Love Alstroemeria

There is so much to love about late spring. The days are long and lovely. The weather is warm without being stultifying.  And the natural world has leapt forth into life. If you’re a lover of gardening or flowers, it is a season of complete indulgence, with blooms budding almost everywhere you look. And one of the most spectacular of the season is alstroemeria. With glorious tropical-looking blooms, and a flowering season that will carry you right through from now until early autumn, it is a real garden doer. But there is so much more to this South American native.

Five Reasons Why We Love Alstroemeria

The flowers are stunning

Often known as the Peruvian lily, alstroemeria has some of the most beautiful flowers you will ever see. And they come in an extensive range of colours. From pastel shades to the most vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. But unlike lilies, alstroemeria don’t drop pollen everywhere. They don’t stain furnishings. And although they are toxic if consumed in high quantities, they don’t present the risk to pets that true lilies do.  

Alstroemeria is one of the longest-lasting cut flowers

Once cut, alstroemeria will typically continue to bloom for a fortnight. As long as you change the water regularly and don’t let them get too hot, these flowers will just give and give. So, you get real value for money from each arrangement.

There are so many different types

There are around 50 species of alstroemeria. Ranging in height from about 35cm to over a meter. Some have big and blousy lily-like petals. Others have petals that are small and delicate, more closely resembling orchids. There are varieties with long, elegant stems, which stretch up to 75cms, ideal for floristry. While there are others that are better suited to the garden border, with short stems that are less likely to get damaged. It’s a plant that has something for everyone.  

Alstroemeria are unscented

OK, we know that some of you will consider that to be a dubious benefit, but hear us out. While scent can be a real selling point for a flower, not everyone can handle it. If you’re sensitive to smells, having flowers in the home is often not an option… Unless you can find a gorgeous bloom like alstroemeria. And even if you are a fan of perfume, there is such a thing as too much. When you are combining heavily scented flowers into an arrangement, the scent can be overwhelming, even headache-inducing. For florists, alstroemeria provides the chance to create a ‘wow’ without also creating a scent bomb.

Its meaning

Alstroemeria is the flower of friendship. While the rose has truly dominated the romantic market, alstroemeria is far less serious. With its bright patterned petals, it has more of a fun and frivolous quality. And yet, as we’ve already mentioned, it is enduring. As all the best friendships should be.  

Their longevity is what makes alstroemeria such a favourite amongst florists. But even without that, their sheer beauty and variety is enough to recommend them to any flower lover. And we just can’t get enough of them.

Why not get to know alstroemeria a little better, with a floral arrangement from Blue Florist?