Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria, also called the Peruvian lily, adds long-lasting color to romantic bouquets, holiday designs and blue and white sympathy pieces. Choose mixes with roses, Asiatic lilies, carnations or delphinium, each arranged by hand by a florist near the recipient.

Its streaked, trumpet-shaped blooms open a few at a time in a cluster atop each stem. The guide below explains what alstroemeria is and how to choose an alstroemeria bouquet here.

Alstroemeria at a glance

What the Peruvian lily is

Despite the name, alstroemeria isn't a true lily. It's native to South America, mainly Chile and Brazil, and each stem carries a cluster of small, trumpet-shaped flowers with streaked inner petals. Florists value it for a long vase life and little or no scent, which makes it a safe pick for anyone who finds lilies too strong. In a mixed bouquet it usually plays a supporting role, filling the gaps between roses and larger blooms with soft color.

Romantic, everyday and holiday designs

Most designs here name alstroemeria, and two lean romantic. Romantic Boutique sets red and pink roses with lavender statice, Asiatic lilies, mini carnations and alstroemeria, and Fields of Europe Romance Bouquet adds pink Asiatic lilies and gerbera daisies to red roses; see love and romance flowers for more. Yellow & White Delight Bouquet is a sunny everyday choice with roses and carnations, and Lovely Lavender Medley gathers lavender and white blooms in a clear cylinder vase. For the holidays, Fields of Europe Christmas arrives hand-tied and wrapped, ready for a pitcher or jar, in five sizes, alongside our other Christmas flowers.

Blue and white sympathy tributes

Four pieces here are made for a loss, all in calming blue and white. Sacred Blessings Blue & White sets light blue delphinium, white roses, alstroemeria, stock and waxflower in a silver-cross ceramic keepsake vase. Loving Remembrance Blue and White fills an embossed, gold-brushed ivory cachepot with blue alstroemeria and white roses, and it also suits the loss of a cherished pet. At its largest, Sincerest Sorrow Blue & White reaches nearly two feet, enough to fill real space at a service, and it moves easily to the family home afterward. Browse blue and white sympathy flowers for coordinating pieces.

Alstroemeria questions

Is Peruvian lily the same as alstroemeria?

Yes. Peruvian lily and lily of the Incas are common names for alstroemeria, a South American flower. It belongs to a different plant family from true lilies such as stargazers and Asiatic lilies, though the open, flared blooms look a little alike.

What does alstroemeria symbolize?

Alstroemeria is often linked with friendship, devotion and mutual support, partly because its leaves twist as they grow, a nod to the ups and downs of a lasting friendship. Pink is associated with admiration, yellow with happiness, and white with purity, which is why white and blue blooms suit remembrance pieces.

Are alstroemeria poisonous to cats?

Alstroemeria is generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, though chewing any plant can upset a pet's stomach. The bigger concern is its company: a few designs here, including Romantic Boutique, also contain Asiatic lilies, which are dangerous to cats, so check the flower list first.

How long do Peruvian lilies last in a vase?

Often up to two weeks, one of the longest runs of any cut flower. Change the water every couple of days, recut the stems and pinch off faded blooms so the remaining buds in each cluster keep opening. Pull any leaves that would sit underwater.