Alstroemeria is our favorite cut flower these days and we rarely have a day without some adorning our island in the kitchen or our bay windows. I picked some up a while back mainly because they were the least expensive cut flowers being offered in our grocery store. We were astounded that they lasted over two weeks and got prettier with time. So I did a little research and learned that Alstroemeria, commonly called the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, is a South American genus of about 50 species of flowering plants. They come in many shades of red, orange, purple, green, and white, and are often flecked, striped and streaked with darker colors. "They say" that Alstroemeria symbolizes friendship and devotion, and the twists in the flower symbolize the trials and tribulations of friendships. Be that as it may, "They make me happy" Peter says, and I agree. I hope this slide show puts a smile in your hearts too.
Photos and Slide Show © 2016 Claudia Ward
Music: "Bach Goes to Town: Prelude in Swing ..." by Clarinet News
Note: Trying to make them last as long as possible, I change the water and recut the stems every few days.
P.S. I'm pretty sure that the bright orangey red ones are alstroemeria, but if they aren't my apologies. They sure are pretty though especially in the snow!
P.P.S. It has been confirmed that the bright orangey red flowers are in fact freesia and NOT alstroemeria. Still are pretty though.
Big pink ones are what I remember from working at jfkia.
Posted by: Frannie | Wednesday, October 05, 2016 at 05:17 PM
Emily you are right, the red-orange ones are freesias. Thanks a million.
Posted by: Claudia | Wednesday, October 05, 2016 at 10:08 AM
I agree- a great flower.
Can't see other comments so this may be a repeat.
The red-orange flowers looks like Freesias. Very fragrant!
Posted by: Emily Ecker | Tuesday, October 04, 2016 at 08:52 AM