Enlarge Image

Also Known As: Peruvian Lily, Lily of the Incas

Botanical Name: Alstroemeria spp.

Pronunciation: al-stro-MEE-ri-a

Family Name: Liliaceae (lily)

Origin: South American Andes

Common Relatives: none common

Introduction: Identified in the South American Andes in the late 1700s but joining the cut flower market fairly recently, alstroemeria's exoticism and large array of colors has made it a smash hit virtually overnight. While this Lily of the Incas enchants with its dark markings, vaguely suggestive of the animal kingdom, it also has many practical advantages. Its leafy stems give fullness to arrangements, and its flowers retain their postharvest beauty for up to two weeks.

Interesting Facts:

• Nicknamed the "friendship" flower. Formerly a member of the amaryllis family, alstroemeria was thought to be related to species such as agapanthus, daffodil, onion, clivia nd lycoris.
• Scientific name in honor of Baron Claus Alstroemer (1736-1794), who brought seeds of this plant to Europe. He was a friend of the great taxonomist, Linnaeus.
• Good for bud vases sincere there are so many flowers at different stages of development on one stem. Some cultivars are being grown as potted plants.
• When recutting stems, remove any whitish or blanched bottom portion of the stem to enhance solution uptake. Removing excess foliage may reduce vaselife if sufficient flowers are not present to aid in solution uptake.
• Avoid cultivars that exhibit yellow leaves. If flower petals become transparent and/or look water-soaked, these are sure signs of ethylene damage.

• Trumpet-shaped flowers in loose clusters at stem ends
• plant is herbaceous perennial

Flower Color: many but not blue, petals often freckled

Fragrance: none

Decorative Life: 7-14 days

Special Care Tips: At least one flower per stem should be open at time of purchase. Remove bottom leaves if present, recut stems under water and place into a fresh flower food solution.

Ethylene Sensitivity: yes