Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria

“friendship, devotion and mutual support”

Alstroemeria was named by Linnaeus for his friend and pupil, the Swedish baron Clas Alströmer, who sent him seed from South America. It is still known as the Peruvian lily, or lily of the Incas. Floriography reads it as friendship, devotion and mutual support, its curiously twisted leaves said to represent the twists and turns a lasting friendship weathers. It is also famously long-lasting in the vase.

In season, and in the studio

Alstroemeria is in season all year round, so it is in the studio this month. In the studio's bunches it is a secondary flower, the supporting cast that gives a bunch its shape and rhythm around the focal stem. The studio buys it in blush, white and coral, and at the bench each colour is read for its own meaning.

What each colour says

• Blushgentle, budding affection
• Whitesteadfast support
• Coralwarm-hearted cheer

Right for