10 Different Types of Alstroemeria Flowers

Alstroemeria, often called the Peruvian Lily, is a truly special flower celebrated for its captivating beauty and remarkable vase life. Its delicate, often freckled petals come in a rainbow of colours, each carrying a unique meaning of friendship, love, and devotion.

This flower's versatility makes it a favourite for everything from grand bouquets to charming garden pots. This guide explores the most popular types of Alstroemeria, helping you understand and choose the perfect variety for any occasion.

What is Alstroemeria?

Native to the mountain ranges of South America, particularly Peru, Brazil, and Chile, Alstroemeria has captivated flower lovers around the world. While its scientific name is Alstroemeria, it is more affectionately known by several common names, including the Peruvian Lily, Lily of the Incas, and sometimes Princess Lily. These names pay homage to its origins and its delicate, lily-like appearance.

The flower is easily recognisable by its trumpet-shaped blossoms that grow in clusters at the top of a single stem. Each stem can produce multiple flowers, creating a full and lush look in any arrangement. One of the most unique features of the Alstroemeria plant is its leaves, which grow upside down. 

The leafstalk twists as it grows, so the underside of the leaf faces upwards. This fascinating trait is known as resupination. In Singapore, Alstroemeria is a florist's staple, cherished for its longevity and ability to bring vibrant colour and texture to any bouquet.

10 Types of Alstroemeria Flowers

Here are the many types of flowers according to their length, colours, and popular series and cultivars. 

1. White Alstroemeria

Symbolising purity, spirituality, love, and support, white Alstroemeria is a picture of elegance. These pristine blooms are perfect for weddings, anniversaries, or sympathy bouquets where they convey a message of sincere, heartfelt emotion. 

Popular cultivars like 'Alstroemeria Casablanca' and 'Inca Ice' feature brilliant white petals, sometimes with very faint cream or pink blushes and delicate freckles. They add a touch of grace and sophistication to any floral arrangement.

2. Pink Alstroemeria

Pink Alstroemeria speaks the language of affection, romance, and gentle admiration. The shades of pink can range from the softest, most delicate pastel to a vibrant, energetic magenta, making it incredibly versatile.

Lighter pinks are perfect for celebrating a new baby or a budding romance, while brighter pinks convey a more playful and celebratory feeling of affection. Varieties like those in the 'Princess' series offer a wonderful spectrum of pinks suitable for any occasion.

3. Red Alstroemeria

Representing passion, true love, and deep desire, red Alstroemeria is a powerful and dramatic choice. It serves as a beautiful and long-lasting alternative to traditional red roses for romantic occasions like Valentine's Day or anniversaries.

The rich, velvety tones of cultivars like 'Red Sensation' command attention and make a bold statement of love. Their vibrant colour and intricate markings create a sense of depth and luxury in a bouquet.

4. Orange Alstroemeria

Orange Alstroemeria is like a burst of sunshine, radiating warmth, energy, positivity, and joy. This cheerful colour is perfect for lifting someone's spirits, celebrating a success, or simply bringing a positive vibe into a room.

One of the most famous and sought-after cultivars is 'Indian Summer', which features a stunning blend of fiery orange, warm yellow, and deep burgundy streaks, all set against unique bronze-tinted foliage. It is a true showstopper in any arrangement.

5. Yellow Alstroemeria

Symbolising happiness, optimism, and friendship, yellow Alstroemeria is the perfect flower to give to a dear friend. Its bright and cheerful disposition is contagious, making it ideal for birthday bouquets, get-well-soon arrangements, or any occasion that calls for a smile.

Cultivars like 'Yellow Friendship' or the golden tones of the species Alstroemeria aurea bring pure joy and light. They remind us of sunny days and the warmth of a good friend's company.

6. Purple Alstroemeria

Purple has long been associated with royalty, nobility, admiration, and elegance. Purple Alstroemeria carries these meanings, making it a wonderful choice for expressing respect and fascination. Shades can range from soft lavender to deep, regal violet.

These blooms add a touch of mystery and luxury to floral designs and are perfect for someone you look up to or admire. They pair beautifully with white or pink flowers for a soft, romantic look.

7. The Princess Lilies (Colorita Series)

The Princess Lilies are a very popular series of dwarf Alstroemeria. They are specifically bred to be compact, energetic, and produce a huge number of flowers over a very long season. Their manageable size makes them the number one choice for growing in pots and containers. You can find Princess Lilies in a wide array of colours, from pink and white to yellow and red, allowing you to create a vibrant display on a balcony or patio.

8. The Inca Series

The Inca series is known for being incredibly robust and reliable. These plants are generally compact but have a strong, upright growth habit, making their flowers suitable for cutting for small home vases. 

They are prized for their resistance to disease and their ability to produce a profusion of blooms. Notable varieties include 'Inca Ice', with its beautiful peach and pink tones, and the vibrant 'Inca Tropic', which boasts a rich orange hue.

9. The Inticancha Series

The Inticancha series is another fantastic range of dwarf Alstroemeria, celebrated for its very neat, compact form and exceptionally long flowering period. The name is derived from the Inca words for 'sun' and 'temple'. These plants produce rich, jewel-toned flowers that create a dense canopy of colour. They are another excellent choice for container gardening, providing continuous beauty with minimal fuss.

10. Standout Cultivar: 'Indian Summer'

While many series offer a range of colours, some individual cultivars become famous in their own right. Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer' is a perfect example. It is instantly recognisable and highly sought after for its unique and dramatic appearance.

The flowers are a mesmerising blend of coppery orange and golden yellow, with deep burgundy streaks. What truly sets it apart is its rich, bronze-to-burgundy foliage, which provides a stunning contrast to the fiery blooms. It is a tall, strong grower, making it a favourite among floral designers.

Main Categories of Alstroemeria

While there are thousands of beautiful Alstroemeria hybrids, they can generally be divided into two main categories based on their size and primary use. Modern breeding has created a vast selection within these groups, ensuring there is a perfect Peruvian Lily for both floral designers and home gardeners.

Tall Varieties for Stunning Bouquets

The tall-growing varieties are the stars of the cut flower world. These plants have been specifically bred to produce long, strong stems, often reaching heights of 60 to 90 centimetres. This makes them ideal for creating elegant bouquets with a beautiful sense of height and structure.

When you buy an Alstroemeria bouquet from a florist in Singapore, you are almost certainly receiving one of these beautiful tall cultivars. Their long stems allow them to stand gracefully in a vase and combine well with other popular flowers like roses, carnations, and eucalyptus.

Dwarf or Short Varieties for Gardens and Pots

For those who wish to enjoy these blooms at home, dwarf Alstroemeria varieties are the perfect choice. These compact plants typically grow to a height of only 20 to 40 centimetres, making them wonderfully suited for container gardening.

They bring the same vibrant colours and intricate patterns as their taller cousins but in a smaller package. For homes in Singapore with balconies or patios, these short varieties can provide a continuous display of colour and beauty, bringing a touch of the Andes right to your doorstep. Popular dwarf ranges include the 'Princess' and 'Inticancha' series.

Alstroemeria Types by Colour

Colour is one of the most delightful ways to explore the world of Alstroemeria. Each hue not only offers a different visual appeal but also carries its own special symbolism, allowing you to create arrangements that are not just beautiful, but also meaningful. The signature 'whiskers' or 'freckles' on the inner two petals add depth and character to every bloom.

Popular Alstroemeria Series and Cultivars

To make navigating the vast world of Alstroemeria easier, breeders often group them into a 'series'. A series is a collection of plants that share key characteristics, such as size and flowering habit, but are available in a variety of different colours. This helps both florists and gardeners choose with confidence.

Caring for Your Alstroemeria

One of the best qualities of Alstroemeria is how long it lasts. With proper flower care, you can enjoy these beautiful flowers for up to two weeks in a vase or for many months in your garden.

Care Tips for Cut Alstroemeria Bouquets

To get the most out of your beautiful Alstroemeria bouquet, follow these simple steps:

• When your flowers arrive, use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to trim at least two centimetres off the bottom of each stem. Always cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to allow for maximum water absorption.
• Find a clean vase and fill it with fresh, cool water. If your bouquet came with a packet of flower food, be sure to add it to the water as this will provide essential nutrients.
• Gently remove any leaves on the lower part of the stem that will sit below the waterline in the vase. This is very important as it prevents bacterial growth in the water, which can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely.
• Place your vase in a cool location in your home. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heaters, and ripening fruit, as the ethylene gas from fruit can shorten the life of your flowers.
• Every two to three days, replace the water completely with fresh, cool water and re-trim the stems to help them continue to drink effectively.

Tips for Growing Alstroemeria in Pots

If you are inspired to grow your own Alstroemeria, dwarf varieties are a great option for Singapore’s climate.

• Select a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant's tuberous root system and allow for growth. A larger pot also helps insulate the roots from becoming too hot.
• Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Good drainage is crucial to prevent the roots from rotting in our humid climate.
• Place the pot where it will receive plenty of morning sunlight but has some protection from the intense, direct heat of the afternoon sun.
• Water the plant regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to make it waterlogged. Check the soil with your finger; if the top inch feels dry, it is time to water.

Using Alstroemeria in Floral Arrangements

The versatility of Alstroemeria makes it a valuable flower in floral design. Because each stem contains a spray of multiple blooms, it is an excellent 'filler' flower. This means it can add volume, colour, and texture to bouquets and arrangements, helping to make them look full and luxurious.

Alstroemeria pairs wonderfully with larger, focal flowers such as roses, oriental lilies, and gerberas. Its smaller blooms can fill the gaps between the larger flowers, creating a cohesive and professionally designed look.

Thanks to its wide range of colours and symbolic meanings, you can use Alstroemeria in arrangements for almost any occasion, from a cheerful yellow bouquet for a friend's birthday to an elegant white arrangement for a wedding.

Conclusion On The Types of Alstroemeria

The world of Alstroemeria is as rich and diverse as its vibrant colours. From the tall, elegant stems that grace floral bouquets to the charming dwarf varieties that brighten our homes, there is truly a Peruvian Lily for everyone.

Understanding the different types, colours, and their beautiful meanings of friendship and devotion allows us to appreciate them even more. Renowned for its beauty and extraordinary longevity, Alstroemeria is a wonderful and reliable choice for both gifting and enjoying in your own home.

Alstroemeria is a wonderful and reliable choice for both gifting and enjoying in your own home. Visit Singapore Florist to find beautiful flowers and bouquets for any occasion.

If you have any questions or want to order a bouquet of flowers, please feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Types of Alstroemeria

How Many Types of Alstroemeria Are There?

There are approximately 124 species of Alstroemeria native to South America. However, through decades of extensive breeding and hybridisation, there are now hundreds, if not thousands, of unique cultivars developed for both the garden and the global cut flower industry. This means consumers have access to a massive and ever-growing range of colours, patterns, heights, and forms.

What Is the Most Beautiful Alstroemeria?

Beauty is entirely subjective and depends on personal taste. However, some of the most popular and critically acclaimed varieties are celebrated for their unique characteristics. Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer' is often cited as a favourite for its fiery orange flowers and contrasting dark foliage. 

For classic elegance, a pure white variety like 'Casablanca' is hard to beat. The vibrant pinks and reds found in the Princess and Inca series are also incredibly popular. The most beautiful Alstroemeria is simply the one that best suits the occasion and the recipient's preferences.

What Is Another Name for Alstroemeria?

Alstroemeria is most commonly known by its charming nickname, the 'Peruvian Lily', which points to its origins in the Andes of Peru. It is also frequently called the 'Lily of the Incas' for the same reason. You may also see compact varieties referred to as 'Princess Lilies'.

Are All Alstroemeria Perennials?

Yes, almost all Alstroemeria species and their many cultivars are herbaceous perennials. This means that they live for many years, growing from a system of tuberous roots. They may die back to the ground in colder climates, but the root system remains alive and will send up new growth the following year. There is one very rare exception, A. graminea, which is the only known annual species in the genus.

Is Alstroemeria a Lily?

Despite its common name 'Peruvian Lily' and its visual resemblance to a lily, Alstroemeria is not a 'true lily'. Botanically, it belongs to its own family, Alstroemeriaceae. True lilies, such as Stargazer or Tiger Lilies, belong to the family Liliaceae. This is a very important distinction for pet owners, as all parts of a true lily are extremely toxic to cats, whereas Alstroemeria is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

What Is the Difference Between a Lily and an Alstroemeria?

The main differences lie in their botanical family, their origin, and their structure. True lilies (genus Lilium) grow from scaly bulbs, while Alstroemeria grows from fleshy, tuberous roots. 

Alstroemeria flowers are generally smaller than those of true lilies, and they have very distinctive dark streaks or 'whiskers' on their inner petals. A unique feature of Alstroemeria is that its leaves are 'resupinate', meaning they twist from the base so that the bottom surface faces upwards.