Alstroemeria Meaning

If you bought a mixed bouquet in the past year, it almost certainly had alstroemerias in it. It is the most widely used filler flower in the industry and, paradoxically, the one fewest people can name.

What it symbolizes

• Lasting friendship. Its main and most useful meaning: it is the flower to give a friend.
• Prosperity and fortune. Because of the way it grows in clusters.
• Devotion and mutual support. Its six petals are traditionally read as six qualities of a good friendship.

Where it comes from

It is South American: native to Chile and Peru, which is where its other name, "lily of the Incas" (or Peruvian lily), comes from. Being grown in the region rather than imported explains a good part of its price.

What makes it special: it lasts a very long time

Between 14 and 18 days in the vase, often longer than the rest of the bouquet. A florist's trick: when a mixed bouquet starts to fade, pull out the alstroemerias, trim their stems and make a small vase with just them. You get an extra week.

A detail about the stem

Alstroemeria is not cut: it is pulled from the base with a sharp tug. That is how it is harvested, and the plant regrows better that way. If you have one in the garden, do not prune it with shears.

When to choose it

For Friendship Day (July 20 in Argentina), for a thank-you, or when you want the bouquet to really last and do not mind it not being the showiest flower. Few flowers go as far.

Availability of each flower changes with the season. If you are looking for a specific flower, ask us before ordering and we will confirm whether we have it.