Flower Library
Peruvian Lily
Alstroemeria · Alstroemeriaceae
The alstroemeria or Peruvian lily is the unsung champion of vase life: two to three weeks are not the exception with her but the rule. Each stem carries several lily-like blooms with the typical flecked markings on the inner petals, opening one after another. We buy our Peruvian lilies fresh every week at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, where they are offered year-round in a wide range of varieties and colours.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 14–21 days
- Latin name
- Alstroemeria
- Colors
- Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, White, Purple, Bicoloured with flecked markings
The modern assortment consists of hundreds of hybrids, from compact bouquet types to long 80-centimetre stems for the workshop. Well-known series such as Virginia in white or the dark red Mars cover every colour scheme; add to that double-flowered novelties and fragrant breeds that alstroemeria simply did not have in the past.
Botanically the Peruvian lily offers a curiosity: its leaves grow resupinate, meaning the leaf stalk twists 180 degrees so the actual underside faces up. Even without a bloom, that twist instantly identifies a true alstroemeria on the stem.
In floral work it is a workhorse in the best sense: several blooms per stem give plenty of volume for the money, the colour palette suits almost any concept, and the long vase life makes it ideal for offices, practices and anyone who does not want to buy new flowers weekly. With roses and eucalyptus it makes a classic bouquet; with chrysanthemums an especially long-lived one.
A care trick many people do not know: alstroemeria often wilts at the foliage first, not the flower. Stripping the stems or pulling off yellowing leaves extends the fresh overall impression by days. Pluck out spent individual blooms and the next buds open on in the vase.
A word of caution: the sap contains tulipalin, the same irritant as in tulips. In sensitive people who handle a lot of alstroemeria daily it can trigger so-called tulip fingers dermatitis, and for cats and dogs the plant is mildly toxic. For normal handling of a bouquet at home, washing your hands after arranging is enough.
Is Peruvian Lily toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Mildly irritating
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
Contains tulipalin like the tulip: mildly toxic to cats, dogs and people, with dermatitis possible from frequent skin contact. Not a true lily, so not to be confused with the highly dangerous lily risk for cats, but still keep out of reach.
Typical symptoms: After chewing, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea; with frequent skin contact, redness and cracked fingertips (tulip fingers).
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle and place them in fresh water with flower food.
- 02Remove as much foliage as possible; it yellows before the blooms and drains energy.
- 03Change the water every two to three days and re-cut the stems.
- 04Keep cool and out of direct sun, and not next to the fruit bowl.
- 05Pluck out spent individual blooms and the remaining buds will open on.
- 06Wash your hands after arranging, as the sap can irritate sensitive skin.
Frequently asked
- How long does alstroemeria last in the vase?
- Fourteen days are the norm and three weeks quite possible, which makes the Peruvian lily one of the longest-lasting cut flowers of all. The key is removing yellowing foliage and plucking spent blooms, then the buds keep opening.
- Is the Peruvian lily toxic to cats and dogs?
- Mildly toxic, yes: the sap contains tulipalin, which can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. Important context: it is not a true lily and does not cause the life-threatening kidney failure that true lilies trigger in cats. Keeping it out of reach is usually sufficient.
- Why is alstroemeria called Peruvian lily, is it a lily?
- No, it forms its own family, the Alstroemeriaceae, and is only distantly related to true lilies. The name comes from the lily-like flower shape and its origin in the realm of the Inca in the South American Andes.
- Why do some buds in the bouquet not open?
- Usually food or light is missing: flower food supplies the sugar buds need to open, and a bright but not sunny spot gives the signal. Stock cut very green simply needs two or three days of patience.
- When is alstroemeria in season?
- Thanks to greenhouse production in the Netherlands and imports from South America it is available at the auction all year round in consistent quality. It has no seasonal gap like field-grown flowers.