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Inca Lily Wikimedia Commons
Alstroemeriaceae

Inca Lily

Alstroemeria aurea

Friendship and devotion.

Family
Alstroemeriaceae
Genus
Alstroemeria
Native to
Chile, Argentina
Bloom season
Summer
Type
perennial herb
Height
2-3 ft
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
well-drained, fertile
Water
moderate
Hardiness
7-10
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Named after Swedish botanist Baron Claus von Alströmer, a student and friend of Carl Linnaeus.
  • The leaves twist 180 degrees at the base so the underside faces upward, a phenomenon called resupination.
  • Alstroemeria is one of the top 5 most popular cut flowers worldwide, lasting up to 2 weeks in a vase.
  • The twisted leaves are thought to symbolize the twists and turns of friendship.
  • In its native Andes, it grows in volcanic soils and can withstand cool mountain temperatures.

Color meanings

0

mutual support

1

prosperity

Uses

  • cut flower
  • border plant
  • container plant