Alstroemeria flowers: photo and description

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The Alstroemeria flower resembles a miniature lily and is very often used in bouquets and arrangements in the cut flower trade. It is a South American genus of 50 plant species, mostly found in the cold mountain regions of the Andes, commonly known as the Peruvian or Parrot Lily, and the Lily of the Incas.

  • Super department: spermatophyte (Spermatophyta).
  • Division: magnoliophyta.
  • Class: liliopsida (Liliopsida).
  • Order: asparagus (Asparagales).
  • Family: Alstroemeria (Alstroemeriaceae).
  • Genus: Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria).

Photo and description of alstroemeria flower

The Alstroemeria flower is a slightly zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical) flower, having 3 sepals and, in most cases, 3 striped petals. The sepals and petals are similar in color and texture, i.e. there are no dense green sepals. She has 6 stamens and an unbranched style. The ovary is inferior with 3 carpels. Alstroemeria flowers are more like grass, in which the veins on the leaves rise to the top, but do not branch out. This can be seen, among other things, in iris and lilies. Alstroemeria leaves are turned upside down. The leaf is twisted as if coming off the stem, so that the base is facing up.

A bouquet of alstroemeria flowers in the photo

If you look at the stalk of alstroemeria, you can sometimes see a contour with a spiral growth, which is associated with the production of new cells in a spiral sequence, this determines the direction of movement of the top.

In the event that the soil is very hot (above 22 degrees Celsius), the Alstroemeria plant concentrates on producing larger tuberous roots at the expense of flowering shoots. In some cases, this can result in exceptionally undeveloped stems with no flowers.

Common types and flowers of alstroemeria

Alstroemeria golden (Alstroemeria aurea) . This plant with orange flowers, native to Chile, reaches a height of 90 cm. It is used to create hair ornaments for special occasions in flower shops.

Peruvian Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria aurantiaca) . It is also called the Peruvian Lily. It withstands low temperatures very well, it can be grown outdoors.

Brazilian lily (Alstroemeria caryophyllacea) . Its height reaches approximately 2 meters.

Alstroemeria blood-flowered (Alstroemeria haemantha) . Differs in fleshy roots, in an inflorescence there can be up to 15 flowers.

Alstroemeria ligtu (Alstroemeria ligtu) . This variety was bred in the UK at the beginning of the 20th century. These plants die off immediately after flowering.

Pretty Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria psittacina) . It grows up to 60 cm, has spreading stems and tuberous roots.

Parrot Lily (Alstroemeria pulchella) . Grows quickly in good weather conditions, becoming a weed that is difficult to eradicate.

Growing Alstroemeria

It should be planted in a well-drained area of soil in sunny weather. Add a small amount of organic fertilizer to the planting hole. Position the plants no deeper than they would be if they were growing in containers.

Plant plants 30 cm apart. Mulch a 7.5 cm layer of organic compost around the plants, except for their tops. Water thoroughly, completely moistening the soil.

What kind of care does alstroemeria require?

Cut off old flower stalks with garden shears. In early spring, mulch 7.5 cm thick around the plants with organic fertilizer, except for the tops. Water abundantly every week until the soil is completely moistened, especially in summer when there is no rain.

Alstroemeria does not require much attention during care. During the first year, it blooms slightly. A tuberous plant will be viable with proper care.

Expert advice

  1. Alstroemeria should be planted in spring or late autumn in a sunny area with an interval of 30 cm between plants, and bulbs to a depth of 20 cm.
  2. Choose sandy or clay soil with well-drained soil. The soil pH range should remain between 5.5 and 7. Before planting the bulbs, add 7 or 8 cm of compost to the soil.
  3. Water the plant 2.5 cm thick every week to keep the soil moist. Check it daily to avoid complete drying.
  4. Spread the 7.5cm layer of mulch around the plant to retain water.
  5. Apply a balanced fertilizer, identical to 6-6-6 NPK, in the appropriate dosage, according to the instructions. Fertilize once in spring and summer, do not fertilize in winter.
  6. Cut back the shoots 7.6 cm above the ground after the plant has stopped flowering.

Other interesting facts

  • Alstroemeria flower blooms in late spring or early summer.
  • Alstroemeria flowers grow in orange, pink, purple, red, yellow, white or salmon.
  • It was named after the Swedish botanist Klas von Alstroemer, a student of the great botanical classifier Linnaeus.
  • The most modern hybrids are reproduced in the laboratory.
  • Many hybrids have been bred and approximately 190 cultivars have been bred with varying marks and colors ranging from white, golden yellow, orange; to apricot, pink, red, purple and lavender.
  • These plants do not emit fragrance.
  • They can last up to two weeks in a vase.
  • Not all Alstroemerias have striped petals.
  • The growth of flowers stops if they get too hot.
  • Alstroemeria symbolizes wealth, prosperity and good luck. She is also the flower of friendship.

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