Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria - a long lasting flower

Hey there, flower lovers! Today, we're going to talk about one of our personal favourites: the alstroemeria. Also known as the Peruvian lily, this beautiful flower is a great addition to any garden or floral arrangement.

Its unique, trumpet-shaped blooms come in a variety of colours, from classic pink and white to more exotic hues like orange and purple. But there's more to the alstroemeria than just its good looks - it also has a rich history and a deep symbolic meaning. So grab a cup of tea and let's dive in to the wonderful world of the alstroemeria flower!

History & origin of alstroemeria flowers

The alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian lily, has a pretty exciting origin story. It all began in the Andes mountains of South America, where the flower was first discovered by a Swedish botanist called Carl Alströmer in the late 18th century. Can you imagine stumbling upon this beauty in the wild for the first time?

Anyway, Carl was so taken with the flower that he brought some back to Europe to share with other botanists and horticulturists. And thank goodness he did, because now we get to enjoy these stunning blooms in our own gardens and homes.

Symbolism & meaning of alstroemeria

You know what's we really love about this elegant bloom? It symbolises friendship. It's especially fitting because these gorgeous blooms are often given as a gesture of long-lasting friendship and devotion.

And, you know what else? If you want to show your gratitude to a friend, give them an alstroemeria. It's also a symbol of gratitude and appreciation.

But that's not all, this flower also often seen as a symbol of wealth, prosperity and good fortune. So, it's a great choice if you want to give someone a flower gift that represents all that positivity and good vibes.

Physical characteristics of the alstroemeria flower

Let's talk about the physical characteristics of the alstroemeria flower. These beauties are definitely easy on the eyes, that's for sure. First off, they have a unique, trumpet-shaped bloom that can be up to 6 inches long.

Can you imagine having a bouquet of these towering over all the other flowers? It would be quite the statement. And, the colour options are pretty much endless. You can find alstroemeria in a wide range of colours including pink, white, orange, purple, yellow and even bi-coloured.

So, whether you're a classic pink and white lover or you're feeling a little more adventurous with some orange or purple, there's an alstroemeria for you. And let's not forget about the leaves, the leaves are long, narrow and glossy, adds a nice texture to any bouquet.

How to grow your own alstroemeria

Want to add some alstroemerias to your garden? Well, you're in luck because these beauties are relatively easy to grow. First things first, you'll want to plant them in well-drained soil in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. These flowers love the sun and will thrive in it.

Once they're planted, be sure to water them regularly, but don't overdo it - alstroemerias don't like to be waterlogged. And, speaking of water, make sure to fertilize them every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to ensure they have all the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.

When it comes to propagating them, you can divide the clumps every 3-4 years, or you can also propagate them from seed, but keep in mind that it may take a while to flower. And when they do, you'll be rewarded with a plethora of beautiful blooms that will last for weeks.

You can also deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms to grow. And voila! With a little bit of TLC, you'll be able to enjoy your own homegrown alstroemerias in no time.

Conclusion 

Well, that's it folks! Our journey into the world of alstroemeria has come to an end. We love sharing all the fun facts, tips and tricks about these beautiful flowers with you and we hope you've learned as much as we have.

From their history, to their physical characteristics, symbolism and meaning, and even how to grow them, we've covered it all. And let's not forget about their care and maintenance tips, which will help them last for weeks in a vase.

So, next time you're looking for a flower that can add some color and beauty to your life, don't forget about the alstroemeria. They won't disappoint.

And if you do end up growing them, don't hesitate to share pictures with us by tagging @realflowerlov on your Instagram and Facebook posts! Thanks for reading, and happy gardening! 

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