Flower Encyclopedia
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria aurea
The workhorse of the cooler — long-lasting, budget-friendly, and multiple blooms on every stem.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
7–14 days
Availability
Year-round
Peak months
Year-round
Cost
Budget-friendly
Fragrance
Little to none
Pollen
Low
Care
Easy
Out of water
2–4 hours
Heat tolerance
Moderate
Cold tolerance
Moderate
Outdoor events
Good
Around pets
Lower risk
Pets in the house? Lower risk.
Alstroemeria is generally regarded as a lower-risk flower around cats and dogs, though it can cause mild stomach upset or skin irritation if chewed, and it is unrelated to the true lilies that are dangerous to cats. No flower should be treated as edible; if a pet chews any arrangement, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
What It Means
Also called Peruvian lily, alstroemeria stands for devotion, mutual support, and lasting friendship, in part because its leaves twist as they grow — a small reminder of the ups and downs friends weather together. It reads as warm and dependable rather than romantic, which makes it a sincere choice for the people who show up for us.
Colors it comes in
white · cream · pink · peach · orange · red · purple · yellow
Coordinates beautifully with
fresh greens · white · soft yellow · coral
Season & Sourcing
Grown year-round for the US market and rarely in short supply. Color range stays broad through every season, which is part of why it turns up in so many mixed bouquets.
Vase life, honestly
One of the longest-lasting flowers in the shop — two weeks is realistic with clean water. Individual florets open in sequence, so pinch off spent blooms and the fresher buds keep the stem looking new.
Fragrance
Effectively scentless, which makes it an easy pick for dinner tables, hospital rooms, and offices where strong fragrance is unwelcome.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut stems at an angle and remove the lower leaves, which yellow and foul the water quickly.
- 2Use flower food and refresh the water every two to three days.
- 3Pinch off individual florets as they fade so the remaining buds keep opening.
- 4Keep the vase out of direct sun and away from ripening fruit.
- 5Handle the sap-heavy stems with care if your skin is sensitive.
What it costs: One of the best values in the cooler thanks to its low cost and long life. Specialty and novelty colors run slightly higher but stay in the budget-friendly range.
Where It Shines
At weddings
A budget-stretching filler and secondary flower in bouquets and centerpieces, adding volume and a spray of smaller blooms between focal flowers. Its long vase life also makes it a practical choice for arrangements that need to hold from setup through a late reception.
In sympathy work
Common in sympathy baskets and standing arrangements because it lasts well and comes in soft, comforting colors. White and pale pink read as gentle and respectful for services and home deliveries alike.
Every day
A staple of grocery and everyday bouquets — a few stems bring a lot of color and weeks of life for very little money. Cheerful for birthdays, thank-yous, and get-well gestures.
Pairs With
A Little History
Named by Carl Linnaeus for his friend Baron Claus von Alströmer, who collected seeds in South America in the 1750s. The genus is native to South America, with major diversity centers in Chile and Brazil, and modern cut-flower hybrids were developed heavily through the twentieth century.
Questions People Ask
How long does alstroemeria last in a vase?
Often ten to fourteen days, making it one of the longest-lasting cut flowers available. Removing the lower leaves and pinching off spent florets keeps it looking fresh through the second week.
Why do the leaves on my alstroemeria yellow so fast?
The foliage naturally fades before the flowers do and rots quickly underwater. Strip the lower leaves at arranging and pull any that yellow — the blooms themselves will keep going.
Is alstroemeria the same as a lily?
No. It is nicknamed Peruvian lily for its lily-like flowers, but it belongs to a different plant family than the true lilies that are seriously toxic to cats. It is still not something a pet should eat.
Is alstroemeria a concern around pets?
It is generally considered lower-risk, though chewing can cause mild stomach upset or skin irritation. If a pet chews on an arrangement, calling your veterinarian is the right move.
From profile to porch
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