The Essential Guide To The Alstroemeria
Botanical Name: Alstroemeria
Common Name: Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas
General Knowledge: The Alstroemeria, commonly referred to as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, hails from South America, boasting a spectrum of colourful blossoms that enliven many landscapes. It's highly valued in gardens and floral designs for its enduring flowers, available in hues from white and golden yellow to orange, pink, red, and purple. An intriguing titbit: the flower's leaves grow upside down, with the leaf twist near the base causing the bottom to face upwards as it emerges.
Colour Range: Alstroemeria boasts a variety of shades including bi-colours, white, cream, yellow, bronze, orange, red, pinks, burgundy, mauve, and purple.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Available year-round.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Due to its year-round availability, Alstroemeria is a popular choice for weddings and events throughout the entire year in Australia.
Commercial Growth in Australia: Yes, Alstroemeria is commercially grown in Australia.
Imported into Australia: While it is grown locally, some varieties might be imported to meet demand and offer a broader selection.
Buying Tips: Choose bunches where the first bud on the stem has fully opened, and the majority are showing colour. Ensure that leaves are fresh, green, and the stems are straight and strong. Be aware that premature yellowing of the leaves is common; however, this can be delayed with specific Alstroemeria treatments.
Design Tips and Advice: Alstroemeria serves well as a transitional or supporting focal flower. They can be mixed with other flowers or arranged in a group for a striking effect. While not recommended for wired wedding bouquets due to their delicate nature, they can be carefully included in hand-tied bouquets when supported by other flowers or foliage.
Flower Maturity: Choose bunches with at least one bud fully opened and the majority showing colour.
Expected Vase Life: Up to 21 days. During this time, the buds will continue to open.
Typical Stem Length: Ranges from 30 cm to 1 m. Sold as either long or short bunches.
Typical Bunch Size: Generally, 10 stems per bunch.
Floral Preservatives: Use is recommended.
Ethylene Sensitivity: High. Choose bunches that have received anti-ethylene treatment.
Temperature Requirements: Cool storage at 2–4 °C.
Potential Problems: The leaves are delicate and prone to yellowing; ensure anti-yellowing treatment has been applied. Alstroemeria may cause skin irritations for some; wearing gloves is advisable. The stems are soft and may break easily; cut carefully and remove the blanched bottom portion to enhance water uptake. Avoid using hard water as Alstroemeria is sensitive to fluoride; rainwater or deionized water is preferable.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Ensure flowers are stored at 2–4 °C.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Use floral preservatives and ensure the water is soft, preferably rainwater or deionized water.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Choose anti-ethylene treated bunches and remove yellowed leaves to maintain a fresh appearance.