Nature is an excellent artist whose language fascinates with its amazing expressiveness. Some of her works possess such exquisite beauty that even skilled craftsmen can only envy with admiration. Separate flowers look like animated paintings from fairy dreams. One of them is an alstroemeria plant. The value of the flower, its use, reproduction and other issues we will consider in this article.
History
An amazing flower that appeared on the shores of Peru was considered a magical plant there. The Incas considered alstroemeria a gift from the solar god, allowing them to acquire amazing physical properties, from the possibility of becoming invisible to the transformation into various animals.
Alstroemeria (the meaning of a flower, its history is described in detail in this article) is not the only name of the plant. Due to the fact that it looks like a small lily, the names "Peruvian lily", "Inca lily", as well as "parrot lily", etc. are also common. The flower received its first official name after its recognition in Europe. His name comes from the complex name of the Swedish botanist, who was the first to show interest in this amazing representative of the flora.
Alstroemeria, accustomed to the hot sun of South America, thanks to the efforts of professionals appeared in the mountains, thus gaining a unique ability to tolerate also low temperatures.
It is worth saying that breeders have tried simply to fame so that this plant has a variety of colors. Because of this diversity, alstroemeria (the meaning of a flower, photos you will find in this article) is able to refresh every floral arrangement, and for florists it becomes an almost indispensable assistant.
How to use a flower?
Mostly Peruvian lilies are grown for sale. They are incredibly popular with florists. They acquire great importance for people who understand the language of flowers. Alstroemeria (the meaning of the flower and its use today is interesting not only for specialists) are harmoniously combined with chrysanthemums, roses, orchids, gerberas, irises, giving the bouquet density and volume. The branches of the flower after cutting do not lose their attractiveness for a long time. They stand for about two weeks in the water.
Advantages
A huge plus of the plant is the complete lack of aroma. So, bouquets of them, even allergy sufferers will not harm.
Low-growing varieties when grown outdoors can be used to create borders. Flowers will also become an exquisite setting for paths or flower beds in the garden. They are perfect for mixed planting, thereby bringing a pleasant variety to the flower bed of annual plants.
Combination
It will be incredibly beautiful if they will be accompanied by various undersized flowers: stonecrops, survivors. Miniature alstromerias can be placed in flowerpots. In this case, they are placed in front of the house on the site, on the steps, in the garden, in the gazebos. Caring for them is even easier.
It looks amazing if you plant tall varieties of Peruvian lily in the flower garden for roses. Their grace favorably emphasizes the noble dignity of flowers with sharp spikes. The combination of chrysanthemums with alstromeries looks feminine and juicy in the garden. You can experiment in this for a very long time, combining plants that are suitable in color with flowers of various delicate shades, and in addition, playing in the contrast of pastel and bright colors.
The most popular varieties
Alstroemeria (the meaning of a flower is interesting not only to florists, but also simply to lovers of beauty) has won tremendous popularity among breeders. At the moment, about 200 varieties of this plant have been bred. The incredible love of gardeners is constantly enjoyed by the flowers of the following varieties:
- Alicia - flowers of this variety have interesting pink-white (two-tone) petals.
- Golden - the branches reach a height of 0.9 m, but the buds are painted in a rich orange hue.
- Lemon - different in large colors of the original shade - bright lemon with a light greenish color.
- Virginia - has shoots of medium height, thickened, powerful. The flowers are pale white, large. Dissolve in June. At the same time, flowering is very long, it can continue until the onset of the first frost.
- Blood-flowering - this flower has gorgeous inflorescences, which can contain about 15 buds. Scarlet petals are covered with small yellow dots.
- Brazilian lily - the bush reaches a height of 2 meters.
Character language
For people who understand the language of flowers, alstroemeria is always relevant. The meaning of the flower is a demonstration of a friendly, unobtrusive arrangement, as well as a wish for wealth and prosperity. Moreover, the exact value depends on the color of the buds.
A bouquet of plants with yellow petals demonstrates well-being and good luck. The composition of purple plants means the enthusiasm and charm of the donor, while the meaning of the flower (alstroemeria) in pink shades is a gentle attitude.
If the buds are red in a saturated hue - the fan feels very strong feelings for you and, using a secret language, thus recognizes them. A huge responsibility imposes a bouquet of white alstroemeria. It shows that you have found a spiritually close person. Would you like to emphasize the seriousness of intent? A great gift for every girl is alstroemeria planted in a pot.
Alstroemeria at home
No matter how undemanding the care may be, alstroemeria (the meaning of the flower and the care of it are described in this article), growing it at home will require compliance with certain rules.
For planting, slightly acidic or neutral soil is used. It is necessary to provide the pet with excellent drainage. The plant loves light, therefore, pots with it most often stand on window sills on the south side. Moreover, in the spring and summer, she will need its shading from the sun.
Peruvian lily at home needs daily spraying. If the pots are near the heating appliances, it is advisable to transfer them somewhere to another place for the winter. If alstroemeria suddenly dropped all the collected buds and leaves, then it means dry air is worrying.
Alstroemeria (the meaning of the flower is indicated in the article above) involves regular watering. In the warm season, it is done often enough, until the soil is moistened, while in moderation. At the same time, there should not be chlorine in the water, it must be defended for a long time. In winter, alstroemeria is rarely watered. It does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil, but its drying out on the bush will adversely affect.
The flower is fed with mineral phosphorus-potassium mixtures. If a lot of new leaves appear on the flower, but there are no buds, review the composition of the fertilizer. A plant may say that it receives too much nitrogen.
In the spring, Peruvian lilies are planted in a new pot. The procedure is carried out at home every year. For the soil, it is best to use a mixture of 2 parts of leafy soil, as well as 1 part of peat, perlite, humus and pine bark.