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Alstroemeriaceae
Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)
Alstroemeria
Friendship, devotion, mutual support, prosperity.
- Family
- Alstroemeriaceae
- Genus
- Alstroemeria
- Native to
- South America (Andes from Chile to Peru)
- Bloom season
- Late Spring, Summer
- Type
- tuberous perennial
- Height
- 30–120 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained
- Water
- Regular
- Hardiness
- 7–10
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Did you know
- Alstroemeria leaves perform a botanical oddity called resupination — they twist 180° as they grow, so the underside becomes the top.
- The genus is named after Swedish baron Claus von Alstroemer, who collected seeds in South America in 1753 for his friend Carl Linnaeus.
- Alstroemerias are among the longest-lasting cut flowers — bouquets can stay fresh for two weeks or more.
- Unlike true lilies, alstroemerias are non-toxic to cats — making them a safer choice for pet owners.
- Each flower has six petals with intricate markings, often described as resembling tiny tigers or freckled orchids.