6 Meanings Of The Colours Of Alstroemeria
By Singapore Florist Editorial TeamThe Alstroemeria, often called the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is more than just a pretty bloom. It carries deep meanings of friendship, love, strength, and devotion, making it a truly special flower to give and receive.
Its vibrant colours each tell a different story, allowing you to send a personalised message for any occasion. This guide will explore the rich symbolism of the Alstroemeria, the significance of its various shades, and how to care for these long-lasting beauties, making them a popular choice for bouquets in Singapore.
The Meaning Behind Each Alstroemeria Colour
While Alstroemeria generally symbolises friendship and devotion, the specific colour of the flower can add a deeper layer of meaning to your gesture.
Choosing a colour that reflects your feelings or the occasion allows for a more personal and thoughtful message. In Singapore's vibrant floral scene, understanding these colour meanings can help you create the perfect bouquet.
1. White Alstroemeria: Purity and Sympathy
White Alstroemeria is a symbol of purity, love, and strength. Its clean and elegant appearance makes it a popular choice for weddings, where it represents the pure love and commitment between the couple.
At the same time, its gentle grace conveys support and spirituality, making it a thoughtful flower for sympathy arrangements or to send to someone who is recovering from an illness. A bouquet of white Alstroemeria is a message of pure, unwavering support.
2. Pink Alstroemeria: Affection and Romance
Pink Alstroemeria speaks of affection, romance, and playfulness. It is the perfect flower for a budding romance or to show gentle affection for a dear friend or family member.
Lighter shades of pink convey a sweet tenderness, while darker, more vibrant pinks represent a deeper sense of appreciation and growing love. This makes it an excellent choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply to let someone know you are thinking of them with warmth and affection.
3. Red Alstroemeria: Passion and Love
Like many red flowers, red Alstroemeria is a powerful symbol of deep love and passion. It is a wonderful and slightly more unique alternative to the classic red rose for expressing romantic feelings. Its bold and vibrant hue conveys a message of profound devotion and heartfelt love.
Red Alstroemeria is ideal for grand romantic gestures on occasions like Valentine's Day or a wedding anniversary, telling your partner that they are your heart's true desire.
4. Yellow Alstroemeria: Joy and Happiness
Yellow Alstroemeria is like a burst of sunshine, radiating joy, happiness, and positive energy. It is the ultimate friendship flower, perfect for celebrating the fun and laughter you share with your closest friends.
Giving someone a bouquet of yellow Alstroemeria is a wonderful way to lift their spirits, say thank you, or celebrate a happy milestone. Its cheerful disposition makes it a fantastic choice for birthday celebrations, get-well-soon wishes, or just to brighten someone's day.
5. Orange Alstroemeria: Energy and Positivity
Orange Alstroemeria symbolises energy, warmth, and optimism. It is a flower that represents ambition and achieving one's goals. This makes it an excellent gift to wish someone success in a new venture, whether it is a new job, a graduation, or starting their own business.
Its vibrant, positive energy serves as a beautiful form of encouragement, telling the recipient that you are cheering them on and wishing them all the best on their journey.
6. Purple Alstroemeria: Royalty and Admiration
Purple has long been associated with royalty, elegance, and uniqueness. Purple Alstroemeria carries these meanings, symbolising admiration and respect for someone special.
It is the perfect colour to give to someone you look up to, such as a mentor, a respected elder, or a friend whose unique qualities you deeply admire. A bouquet of purple Alstroemeria is a sophisticated way to show your appreciation and esteem.
The Rich Symbolism Behind Alstroemeria Flowers

The Alstroemeria flower is packed with symbolism, with its primary message being one of enduring friendship and mutual support. It's a flower that celebrates the connections we have with the people who matter most.
The delicate twists in its leaves are said to represent the bonds of friendship, showing how relationships can navigate twists and turns and emerge even stronger. This makes it the perfect gift to honour a cherished friend, celebrating your shared history and unwavering loyalty.
Beyond friendship, Alstroemeria also signifies devotion and prosperity. This dual meaning makes it a wonderfully versatile flower, suitable for expressing commitment to a romantic partner or wishing someone success and good fortune in a new chapter of their life. Whether for a housewarming, a new job, or an anniversary, a bouquet of Alstroemeria conveys heartfelt good wishes.
One of the most unique aspects of the Alstroemeria is the symbolism held within its six petals. Each petal is thought to represent a vital quality for a strong and healthy relationship.
These qualities are understanding, humour, patience, empathy, commitment, and respect. When you give someone Alstroemeria, you are not just giving them a beautiful flower; you are acknowledging the multifaceted strength of your bond with them.
The Spiritual Meaning of Alstroemeria
Beyond its worldly meanings, the Alstroemeria also holds a spiritual significance. The flower is often seen as a symbol of personal and spiritual growth, representing the journey of transformation and the blossoming of the soul.
Its journey from a small bud to a beautiful, open flower mirrors our own path of development and self-discovery.
The symmetrical structure of the Alstroemeria flower, with its perfectly balanced petals, can also represent the search for harmony in life. It serves as a gentle reminder to find balance between our different responsibilities and aspects of our lives, such as work, family, and personal well-being.
Its vibrant presence in a room can be seen as a connection to the beauty and divinity found in the natural world, encouraging mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment.
Alstroemeria in Bouquets and Floral Arrangements
Alstroemeria is a true favourite among florists in Singapore and around the world, and for very good reason. One of its most celebrated qualities is its impressive vase life.
With proper care, a bouquet of Alstroemeria can stay fresh and beautiful for up to two weeks, allowing the recipient to enjoy your thoughtful gift for a long time.
Its versatility is another key advantage. Alstroemeria works beautifully on its own in a single-variety bunch, but it also shines as a "filler flower" in mixed arrangements.
Its clusters of blooms add lush volume, texture, and vibrant colour to bouquets, pairing wonderfully with larger flowers like roses, lilies, and gerberas.
For weddings, Alstroemeria is an excellent choice. It symbolises the devotion and supportive friendship that form the foundation of a strong marriage.
Furthermore, it is a great option for people who are sensitive to strong scents, as it has little to no fragrance. This hypoallergenic quality makes it a safe and beautiful choice for any event or home.
The Origins and Interesting Facts About Alstroemeria
The Alstroemeria has a fascinating history. It is native to the majestic Andes mountain ranges of South America, primarily in Peru, Chile, and Brazil. This is why it is commonly known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas.
The flower received its official botanical name from the renowned Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus. He named it in honour of his friend and student, Baron Claus von Alströmer.
The Baron was an explorer who collected seeds of the flower during a trip to Spain in the 18th century and introduced them to Linnaeus, securing its place in European botany.
There are several interesting facts about this unique flower. A notable feature is that its leaves grow upside down; the leafstalk twists as it grows, causing the bottom to face upwards.
Another fun fact is that there are approximately 50 different species of Alstroemeria, offering a wide array of colours and patterns for flower lovers to enjoy.
How to Care for Your Alstroemeria Bouquet

To get the most out of your beautiful Alstroemeria flowers and enjoy them for as long as possible, simple flower care goes a long way. Follow these simple steps to keep your bouquet looking fresh and vibrant.
- When you first receive the bouquet, use a sharp pair of scissors or shears to trim about 2-3 cm off the bottom of the stems. Always cut them at a 45-degree angle to allow for maximum water absorption.
- Carefully remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline in your vase. This is an important step as it prevents the growth of bacteria, which can make the water cloudy and shorten the life of your flowers.
- Choose a clean vase and fill it with fresh, cool water. If your bouquet came with a packet of flower food, add it to the water now and stir gently.
- Change the water in the vase every two days. When you do, it is a good idea to give the stems another fresh trim to help them continue to drink water effectively.
- Find a nice spot for your bouquet. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources like appliances. Also, avoid placing it near a fruit bowl, as ripening fruit releases ethylene gas which can cause flowers to wilt faster.
Conclusion On The Meaning of Alstroemeria
In conclusion, the Alstroemeria is a flower rich in beauty and meaning. It stands as a powerful symbol of friendship, unwavering devotion, and the strength of the bonds we share with others.
Its impressive array of colours allows for deeply personal and thoughtful messages, making it suitable for nearly any occasion. With its remarkable longevity and versatility in arrangements, it is a truly wonderful choice for celebrating the most important relationships in our lives.
A gift of Alstroemeria is a heartfelt message of love, appreciation, and support. If you have any more questions or would like to order a beautiful bouquet, please contact us.
To see our stunning floral designs, visit Singapore Florist to find beautiful flowers and bouquets for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Meaning of Alstroemeria
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Alstroemeria?
Alstroemeria spiritually symbolises devotion, commitment, and personal growth. It represents the journey of transformation and the pursuit of balance and harmony. Its vibrant presence is also seen as a connection to the divine in nature, reminding us of the beauty around us.
What Is the Symbolism of Alstroemeria?
The primary symbolism of Alstroemeria is friendship, mutual support, and devotion. Its six petals each represent a valuable quality in a relationship: respect, patience, empathy, understanding, humour, and commitment. It also symbolises wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
What Do Alstroemeria Flowers Represent?
Alstroemeria flowers represent the strength and endurance of bonds between people. They are a celebration of friendship and love, signifying the ability to weather challenges together. Depending on the colour, they can also represent passion, joy, purity, and admiration.
Is Alstroemeria a Friendship Flower?
Yes, Alstroemeria is widely known as the "friendship flower." Its meaning is deeply rooted in celebrating the bonds of friendship, mutual support, and unwavering loyalty, making it the perfect gift to show a friend how much you care.
What Is the Meaning of the 6 Petals of Alstroemeria?
Each of the six petals of the Alstroemeria flower holds a special meaning, symbolising the key characteristics of a strong and lasting relationship. These essential qualities are understanding, humour, patience, empathy, commitment, and respect.
Is Alstroemeria a Funeral Flower?
While it is not exclusively a funeral flower, white Alstroemeria can be a very thoughtful choice to express sympathy and condolence. The white variety symbolises purity, love, and spiritual support, offering a comforting message of peace during a difficult time.