The exotic world of alstromerias: Care tips, flowering splendour and their significance
Alstromerias (Alstroemeria), also known as alkali lilies, are an exotic flower that belongs to the alkali family. These beautiful flowers are not only a real eye-catcher in any flower arrangement, but also have a fascinating history.
Their flowers shine in a variety of colours - from bright yellow to soft pink and red tones to rich purple. Alstromerias are among the most popular cut flowers in weddingfloristry and are often used for bouquets or flower arrangements.
Autor: Peter Karper
Origin and significance of alstromerias
The alstromeria belongs to the incalcium family and is known as a beautiful cut flower that is used both as a gift and for decorative purposes. The origin of this flower lies in the high mountains of South and Central America, particularly in the Andes, and it is particularly known for its good shelf life. Botanically speaking, the incalilli were first described by the botanist Carl von Linné and named after Claes Alströmer, a Swedish botanist.
Flowering period and care of exotic alstromerias
Alstromerias flower from April until late autumn. These easy-care plants require regular care tips to ensure that they remain in bloom for a long time. When alstromerias bloom is ideal for creating pretty bouquets and making beautiful shrubs outside that delight the eye. For successful planting, the roots should be planted 15-25 cm deep in nutrient- and humus-rich soil in spring, around March. The flowers prefer a location with partial shade and light protection from heavy moisture.
Please note: Alstromerias do not tolerate heavy waterlogging. When caring for them in a vase, it is important that the flowers are kept in fresh, cool water and regularly cut to ensure water absorption. Their delicate stems must not be tied too tightly as this could affect their shelf life. Alstromerias are hardy and can survive in winter as long as they are protected from frost. They are also poisonous to pets and should therefore be kept out of their reach.
Alstromerias as eye-catchers in floral arrangements
Thanks to their bright flowers, alstromerias are a popular component in wedding floristry, where they are often combined with other exotic flowers such as gerberas, lilies or roses. Popular ornamental flower partners are roses, whose shade of green harmonises well with the flowers of alstromerias. Green accessories such as ruscus or leather ferns are often used to complete the flower arrangement.
With their striking petals, which are often striped to resemble a tiger pattern, and their long shelf life, alstromerias are the perfect choice for bridal bouquets and bouquets that need a special exotic touch. Their interplay creates a tropical flair of special exclusivity and is becoming increasingly common in this country.
Things to know about caring for alstromerias
Alstromerias are among the most popular cut flowers due to their exotic look and good shelf life. To keep the flowers fresh for a long time, you should follow these tips:
- Fill the vase with cold water and cut the stems at a slight angle to improve water absorption.
- Change the water regularly and avoid placing the flowers near fruit, as the ethylene given off by fruit causes the flowers to age more quickly.
- Make sure that no bacteria grow in the water by keeping the water clean and cleaning the vase regularly.
If you plant the alstromeria in the garden, ensure adequate drainage and regular watering, as the plant is susceptible to rotting in excessively moist soil. Light fertilisation in spring and a nutrient-rich compost promote growth and flower formation. The best time to plant the rhizomes is in spring when the soil has warmed up sufficiently.
Occasions for giving alstromerias as gifts
The exotic alstromeria is suitable for numerous occasions such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. It is not only a symbol of happiness and friendship, but also adds a special touch to any bouquet. You can order alstromerias online in various colours, e.g. in shades of red or white. The magnificent blooms of alstromerias last a long time and bring colour and joy to every home.
The speciality of alstromerias
Alstromerias are not only a highlight in any garden due to their striking flowers, but are also known for their easy-care nature. Its most striking feature is the nature of its flower, in particular the three petals of the inner circle, which are striped in a tiger pattern. This exotic flower is a real eye-catcher and is often used in wedding floristry. Thanks to their hardiness, they are a great choice for any flower lover who wants to add a long-lasting and easy-care flower to their garden.
Alstromeria is a monocotyledonous plant and belongs to the incalcium family. Their wine-red petals go perfectly with pink and purple-coloured flowers and create a harmonious overall picture. Combined with ruscus or leather fern in flower arrangements, they create an elegant and stylish design that enhances any environment. Alstromeria flowers are also perfect for bridal bouquets in wedding floristry.
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Tips for the perfect alstromeria bouquet
A beautiful bouquet of alstromerias should fulfil the following requirements: Choose tones that harmonise well with each other, such as red tones or white. Make sure that the greenery often consists of ruscus or leather ferns to create a nice contrast to the bright flowers. The stems should be even and well matched to ensure a balanced appearance.
A well-arranged bouquet should not only emphasise the beauty of the alstromerias, but should also be complemented by the selection of matching partner flowers such as roses or gerberas. The right floral arrangement will ensure that the alstromerias show off their full splendour and stay fresh for a long time.
Additional information and tips
Alstromerias are bushy and make excellent bedding plants in gardens. They are popular in Australia and New Zealand due to their robust character. The stems of alstromerias are long and flexible, which makes them ideal for various flower arrangements.
Alstromerias can also be cultivated in Granada, where they thrive particularly well in warmer climates. Their ability to grow in different soils makes them a versatile choice for gardeners worldwide.
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