February Flower Of The Month: Alstroemeria
Family: Alstroemeriaceae
The February flower of the month is the Alstroemeria! Commonly called the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, these perennials make great accents for bouquets and home gardens due to their wide variety of colors. Keep reading to learn fun facts and how to care for them.
Origin
Native To: South America. As the name suggests, alstroemerias are native to Peru, but also found in the mountains of Chile and Brazil.
In The Wild: Since they were introduced to Europe in the 18th century, alstroemerias can be found in warm climates of North America, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Madeira, and the Canary Islands.
Alstroemeria Care
In a Vase
Alstroemerias are known to be resilient flowers. With proper care, they can last in a vase for up to 2 weeks. Keep them in a vase full of fresh water and replace it every 3 to 4 days. Display these freckled florals in a cool area of your home, out of direct sunlight, and enjoy!
Growing in your garden:
When planting alstroemerias, handle them with gloves because the sap may cause skin irritation. Plant these perennials during the spring and autumn when temperatures range from 65 to 80° F. Plant them in fertile, well-drained soil, and water regularly. Avoid over-watering them because root rot could occur. Alstroemerias thrive with full morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon. Alstroemeria can bloom in early Summer and last through Fall!
Symbolism and Fun Facts
Alstroemeria symbolizes mutual support, friendship, love, and strength. Gift these to your pal or partner to say “I’ve got your back!”
Other common names for them include Parrot Lily, Princess Lily, and St. Martin’s flower.
These six-petaled florals come in an array of colors including white, yellow, red, orange, purple, and pink.
Along with their vibrant hues, alstroemerias have streaks and speckles in their center three petals.
They are great for friends and families with allergies because they do not give off a heavy fragrance.
There are approximately 50 species of alstroemerias.
Alstroemeria are named after the Swedish botanist Baron Clas Alströmer, who introduced them to Europe in the 1700s.
While alstroemerias are non-toxic to animals, they can cause stomach irritation if ingested. Keep these blooms out of reach of pets and children.
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