Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria has the longest vase life among all cut flowers, lasting up to 3 weeks.
Alstroemeria is a captivating flower from distant South America that has won the hearts of gardeners worldwide. The hybrid forms growing in our gardens are the result of long-term selective breeding aimed at creating resilient and vibrant varieties. Interestingly, the plant's name derives from the surname of an 18th-century Swedish botanist, and is commonly called the Peruvian Lily in popular usage—though it bears no relation to true lilies.
Visually, this plant is truly remarkable. Alstroemeria produces delicate, refined stems crowned with lush clusters of tender flowers. The colour palette is breathtaking in its diversity: soft pink, golden yellow, pure white, and deep burgundy—often several shades appear simultaneously on a single bloom, creating a unique pattern with spots and streaks. The flowering period is prolonged, lasting from June through early September, with the plant generously producing fresh blooms throughout the entire season.
In the garden, alstroemeria reigns as a true queen. It harmonises beautifully with roses, gerberas, and gladiolus, creating refined flower beds and striking bouquet arrangements. But its greatest advantage is its remarkable longevity as a cut flower: blooms can remain fresh and attractive in a vase of water for up to three weeks. This makes alstroemeria a favourite among florists and gardeners who wish to extend the beauty of their borders well beyond the day of cutting.
Cultivating alstroemeria is a true joy for any gardener. The plant is undemanding, adapting equally well to sunny locations and semi-shade, requiring only moderate watering and well-draining soil. It needs no complex 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)