Amaryllidaceae Alstromeria

Alstroemeria is named after the Swedish botanist Baron Klas von Alstroemer. This South American flower's seeds were among many collected by von Alstroemer on a trip to Spain in 1753. Get to know these wonderful flowers and you will find a great workhorse that is easy on the budget.

Alstromeria are in the Amaryllidaceae family and are related to the onion, daffodil, agapanthus and nerine. There are hundreds of A. alstromeria, which are commonly called alstromeria or Peruvian Lily. Readily available in ample supply year-round, alstroemerias come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, yellow, salmon, red, lavender, orange, bronze and bicolors.

If purchased fresh alstromeria will give you 6-14 days vase life, depending upon the cultivar and at home care. Avoid buying flowers with yellowing or transparent leaves; these are signs of ethylene damage and age.

Alstromeria are very versatile flowers which are gaining in popularity as feature flowers and are often used as mass flowers. A simple, do it yourelf, arrangement of a dozen or so stems of alstromeria cut at the same length and placed in a clear glass vase will have a stunning, yet homey feel.

Alstromeria are easy to cultivate on the coast and grow well in full sun in loamy soil.