Alstroemeria: A Floral Ode to Loyalty and Longevity

Many people may be unfamiliar with the name Alstroemeria, but most flower lovers recognize these colorful Peruvian lilies on sight. Their bright colors and upward-pointing blooms are perfect for filling out bouquets and arrangements; each color has a unique meaning that sends a truly unique message. Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the meaning of the Alstroemeria flower.

Etymological Meaning

Alstroemeria may sound like a mystical or ancient name, but Carl Linnaeus named the genus after its discoverer, Baron Von Alströmer. He studied under Linnaeus and was happy to contribute to his efforts to document New World plants.

Alstroemeria Flower Meaning & Symbolism

In addition to being a great potted plant or bouquet addition, Alstroemeria is full of meaning to multiple cultures. Add in all the color variety, and it is no wonder it is easy to send many different messages with the same flower.

Common Alstroemeria Flower Colors

• Red: Passion, romantic love, strength, life force, good health, wealth, growth, and new beginnings.
• Orange: Enthusiasm, energy, joyful endings, travel, exploration, and excitement.
• Pink: Celebration, playfulness, youth, childishness, gentleness, platonic love, and delicacy.
• White: Purity, innocence, new life, grief and loss, reverence, respect, and healing.
• Purple: Royalty, wealth, luxury, extravagance, success, strength, and elegance.
• Green: Growth, development, changes, gracefulness, platonic appreciation, and value.
• Yellow: Warmth, reassurance, healing, hope, fresh starts, youthfulness, and health.

Cultural Significance

Known as “Peruvian lilies” or “Lily of the Incas,” alstroemeria was named after Baron Claus von Alstromer, who brought the seeds from South America to Europe in the 1750s. The Incas considered these flowers sacred symbols of devotion and good fortune.

Most of Alstroemeria’s meaning and cultural significance are derived from modern times. While these lilies were grown in Europe before the Victorian era, they weren’t given a separate meaning from other lilies in the Language of Flowers.

For a more general meaning, lilies were considered a symbol of passionate, romantic love. That included the Alstroemeria, especially in hot pink or deep red. This meaning continues today, with many people sending Alstroemeria as a romantic gesture.

White lilies of all kinds are often used to symbolize grief in a tradition dating back to the Victorian era. Alstroemeria in other colors primarily take their meaning from the specific color of the blooms. With large and upward-pointing flowers contrasted by their twisted downward-facing foliage, Alstroemeria is often assigned a meaning of support and friendship, too.

Friendship’s Perfect Bloom

Alstroemeria flowers are the ultimate friendship symbol in the floral world. These long-lasting blooms mirror what we all want in our buddies—staying power when times get rough. People often swap these flowers to say, “I’ve got your back for the long haul” without getting all mushy about it.

The Wealth Connection

In some cultures, these flowers are linked to wealth and prosperity. Their multiple blooms on each stem supposedly represent abundance coming from a single source. Plant a bunch in your garden and wait for the lottery win… or at least that’s what flower folklore might suggest. Results may vary!

Six Petals, Six Wishes

Each alstroemeria flower traditionally has six petals, and in flower mythology, each petal represents something different: love, understanding, humor, patience, commitment, and respect. Give someone a bouquet of these, and you’re basically bombarding them with good vibes from all directions.

The Humility Flower

Despite their beauty, alstroemeria represents humility in the language of flowers. Their blossoms face slightly downward as if in a modest bow. This quality made them popular gifts during Victorian times for someone who showed grace without boasting. Consider it the humble brag of flowers – gorgeous but not shouting about it.

Sixth Anniversary Star

Alstroemeria is the traditional flower for sixth wedding anniversaries. By year six, the honeymoon phase has mellowed into something more durable – just like these long-lasting blooms.

Suitable Gifting Occasions

Depending on the color, Alstroemeria makes a great addition to a bouquet for romance or a declaration of love. Select red and other romantic colors for the perfect gift, combined with other symbolic flowers like the red rose, to cement your message.

If you need to support a friend through a hard time, a flower arrangement in shades of orange and yellow can be a good choice. Purple Alstroemeria is an excellent addition to bouquets for friends celebrating career success or a new source of wealth.

Wrap Up

Alstroemeria blossoms are large, colorful, and eye-catching. The flower’s ability to stand in a vase for a full two weeks without wilting also helps give it an additional meaning of longevity and good health. It is a great flower to add to any bouquet that simultaneously needs a punch of color and shape. Even the twisted foliage on the stems can add to the beauty of the bloom.