Alstroemeria

Did you know?

These are also known as Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas and are native to South America.

Types

Many hybrids and about 190 cultivars have been developed, with different markings and colors, ranging from white, golden yellow, and orange, to apricot, pink, red, purple, and lavender. Lily shaped flowers of different colours sit on a long stem of up to 90cm. The flower has spots, stripes and markings with a different colour, usually yellow, centre.

Selection and Care

Choose bunches with most flowers that are closed for the longest lifespan, or more open flowers for more immediate use. Look for green leaves. These are one of the longest lasting flowers keeping for up to two weeks. Keep cool and out of direct sunlight. Cut a minimum of 2cm off the stem, strip the bottom leaves off, and put in cold water with a flower preservative. Change water daily for optimum lifespan. This flower is ethylene sensitive. Keep them away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.

Availability

All year round.