Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria has the longest vase life among all cut flowers, lasting up to 3 weeks.
Alstroemeria is a charming flower from distant South America that has captured the hearts of gardeners around the world. The hybrid forms grown in our gardens are the result of extensive breeding work aimed at creating hardy and vibrant cultivars. Interestingly, the plant's name derives from the surname of a Swedish botanist of the eighteenth century, and it is commonly known as Peruvian Lily—though it bears no relation whatsoever to true lilies.
The most striking feature is its remarkable appearance. Alstroemeria produces delicate, refined stems crowned with full, dense flower clusters of the most tender blooms. The colour palette is breathtaking in its diversity: soft pink, golden yellow, pure white, and deep burgundy—often several shades appear on a single flower at once, creating a unique pattern with spots and streaks. The flowering period is lengthy, extending from June through the first half of September, with the plant generously producing fresh flowers throughout the season.
In the garden, alstroemeria truly reigns supreme. It combines beautifully with roses, gerberas, and gladiolus, creating refined beds and floral arrangements. Yet its greatest advantage lies in its remarkable longevity as a cut flower: the blooms can remain fresh in a vase of water for up to three weeks, making alstroemeria a favourite with florists and gardeners alike who wish to extend the beauty of their borders beyond the day of cutting.
Growing alstroemeria is a genuine pleasure for any gardener. The plant is undemanding, adapts well to both sunny sites and partial shade, and requires only moderate watering and light, well-draining soil. It demands no complicated care, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels. If you dream of a garden with prolonged flowering and bouquets that retain their beauty for weeks, alstroemeria is precisely what you need.
Alstroemeria — planting & location
Cut flowers last 2–3 weeks in a vase
How to water Alstroemeria
Regular watering during flowering period
Fertilizing and pruning: Alstroemeria
Remove stems from the rhizome by breaking (do not cut)