Alstroemeria (Inca Lily) – A Champion of Longevity, Full of Colour
Alstroemeria, nicknamed the “Inca lily,” belongs to the alstroemeria family (Alstroemeriaceae) and comes from the cool mountain regions of the South American Andes – Peru and Chile, where it grows as a tuberous perennial. If you are after beauty that will not abandon your bouquet after a few days, this is the undisputed number one. At KvětinyExpres.cz we love it for its playfulness and an incredible palette of colours – from delicate white to deep tiger-striped orange.
What does it look like? Its blooms resemble miniature lilies and are known for their “freckles” (dark markings inside the flower) that act as a guide path for pollinators in nature. A single stem carries a whole family of blooms that open one after another, so the bouquet keeps changing its look.
A symbol of friendship: In the language of flowers, Alstroemeria is a symbol of devotion, mutual support, and strong friendship. It is a flower that says: “Thank you for being there.” That is why it is one of our most popular choices for birthday bouquets for women or as a sweet thank-you for a friend.
Tip from Bára (Colour & Design Specialist): “Alstroemeria is every florist's and customer's dream. It is an incredible keeper – with the right care it can easily last 14 days in a vase! My secret trick? As soon as a single floret on the stem fades, gently pinch it off. That sends the plant's energy to the remaining buds so they open to their full beauty. And remember, Alstroemeria does not like leaves sitting in water – those need to come off right at the start.”
✦ Use at KvětinyExpres.cz: Alstroemeria is a mainstay of our mixed bouquets, where it adds volume. Since it has no strong scent, it is also great for allergy sufferers. If you are curious about growing it at home in your own garden, check out our blog on Growing Alstroemeria.
