Alstroemeria – a long-lasting cut flower

Alstroemeria are such a long-lasting flower, with a vase life of 7-14 days…which is probably why they are reported to be one of the biggest selling florist flowers worldwide.

Below is an overview of the Alstroemeria: –

What is the Latin name?
Alstroemeria

What is it commonly known as?
Alstroemeria or Peruvian Lily

How do you pronounce it?
Alstro-MARY-ah

What does it look like?
Groups of four or five lily-like blooms gathered together at the top of long stems.  The flowers, which normally have markings, come in white, yellow, orange, red, pink, cream and purple.

When can you buy them?
Available all year round

Where can you buy them from?
Florists, supermarkets and garden centres.

How do you look after them?
Cut the stems on a slant with scissors and place them in a clean vase with fresh water.  The first thing you’ll notice is that the leaves start to wilt and turn yellow, before the flowers have finished blooming.  So simply remove the leaves that have discoloured and re-cut the stems.  When the individual flowers do start to fade, remove them, leaving the remaining buds to open.

Did you know?
The famous botanist, Carl Linnaeus, named the flowers after one of his pupils, Clas von Alstroemer.  Clas sent Carl the seeds in 1753 after he’d collected them on a trip to South America.

(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)