Alstroemeria Flowers
Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily) is a long‑lasting cut flower with striking, freckled trumpets and twisted leaves, prized in bouquets and garden borders; countless hybrids offer wide color ranges and extended vase life.
Occasions & recipients
Find flowers by occasion
Best occasions
- Friendship
- Congratulations
- Get well
- Housewarming
- Graduation
Suitable for
- Friends
- Coworkers
- Family
- New relationships
- Long-distance partners
Color taboos
- Pure white can be funerary in parts of East Asia
- Black or very dark purple may feel somber/mourning
- Yellow may imply jealousy in some cultures
- Red can imply romance—use cautiously for professional gifts
Card messages
At a glance
Key details
Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.
Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Botanical info
Taxonomy
Plantae > Angiosperms > Monocots > Order Liliales > Family Alstroemeriaceae > Genus Alstroemeria; common name: Peruvian lily (Lily of the Incas).
Distribution
Native to South America (notably Chile, Brazil, Peru, Argentina); two major centers of diversity in Chile and eastern Brazil; widely cultivated and naturalized in temperate regions worldwide; major global cut‑flower crop.
Conservation
Status varies by species; several Chilean endemics face habitat pressure, while garden hybrids are abundant. Source from sustainable farms and prevent vigorous cultivars from escaping into natural areas.
Gifting & etiquette
Presentation etiquette
Suitable for casual or professional gifting; present in a clean vase or simple wrap, trim stems and remove lower leaves; avoid heavily romantic color palettes for corporate settings; consider saying “alstroemeria” rather than “lilies” if recipient avoids true lilies.
Ideal delivery time
Deliver 2–3 days before the event with buds showing color; keep cool and hydrated during transit; recut stems and condition on arrival.
Health & risk
Toxicity
Not a true lily; generally non‑toxic to cats and dogs, though ingestion may cause mild GI upset. Can cause skin irritation (tulipalin A) in handlers—wear gloves.
Allergenicity
Low airborne pollen but moderate contact allergenicity for florists due to tulipalin A; wear gloves and strip lower leaves/anthers to reduce exposure.
Meaning & taboos
Symbolism & color
A resilient bloom representing enduring friendship, devotion, and the wish for good fortune.
Growing & tools
Care & gear
Growing tips
Rhizomatous perennials best in full sun to light shade with cool roots and moderate temperatures; plant tubers 6–8 in (15–20 cm) deep in fertile, well‑drained soil; water evenly, avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter and protect crowns from severe frost; support tall stems; pull spent stems rather than cutting to encourage rebloom; divide clumps every 2–3 years.
Recommended tools
- Hand pruners
- Garden gloves
- Hand trowel
- Bulb/tuber planter
- Plant supports/stakes
Symbolizes
- Friendship
- Devotion
- Prosperity
- Good fortune
- Support