Alstroemeria aurea
Alstroemeria aurea Graham
Alstroemeria aurea is a vigorous, spreading South American perennial producing vivid orange or yellow lily-like flowers streaked with red-brown on the inner petals throughout summer. It symbolizes friendship, mutual support, devotion, and the endurance of lasting bonds.
Alstroemeriaceae (Alstroemeria family)
June to August (early to midsummer); robust colonies may bloom into September
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: alstroemerias and hedychiums also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Alstroemeria as a genus is one of the most symbolically rich flowers in the floral gifting tradition, and Alstroemeria aurea, the wild orange and yellow species behind many modern hybrid cultivars, carries the full weight of these associations. The flower is widely known as the friendship flower in many cultures: its multiple petals, which represent the twists and turns of a long friendship, and its extraordinary vase life, which symbolizes the durability of lasting bonds, make it the most popular cut flower associated with friendship worldwide. The genus honors Swedish baron Clas Alstromer, a student and close friend of Linnaeus, further reinforcing the plant's associations with intellectual companionship and loyal friendship. The twisting of the leaves, a characteristic feature of all Alstroemeria species, was noted and named resupinate: the leaves twist 180 degrees as they grow so that their underside faces upward, a unique trait that has been interpreted as a symbol of transformation and adaptability in lasting relationships.Shop Our Floral Collection
Transform your space with our curated selection of designer floral throw pillows
Visit Full StoreBotanical Information
Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates
Water
Consistent moisture during active growth; reduce watering after foliage dies back in autumn; do not allow soil to waterlog in winter
Soil
Fertile, Moist but well-drained, Humus-rich, Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–7.0
Expert Growing Tips
Plant the fleshy tuberous roots horizontally 6 inches deep in spring; handle with care as the roots are brittle
Do not disturb established plants; Alstroemeria dislikes transplanting and spreads best when left undisturbed
To harvest as a cut flower, pull rather than cut the stems from the base to encourage more flowering stems
Wear gloves when handling as the foliage can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
More drought-tolerant than modern hybrid alstroemerias once established, making it valuable for drier borders
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Summer border perennial for vivid color
- Cut flower with exceptional vase life of 2 to 3 weeks
- Cottage and mixed perennial garden plantings
- Pollinator and hummingbird garden
- Container planting in large pots
Traditional Uses
- No significant medicinal uses are documented for this species
- Historically, various Alstroemeria species were used by Andean indigenous peoples in folk remedies, but A. aurea is not among the well-documented medicinal species
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alstroemeria aurea
What does Alstroemeria aurea symbolize?
Alstroemeria aurea symbolizes friendship, mutual support, and lasting devotion. Its multiple petals are said to represent the twists and turns of a long friendship, and its exceptional vase life symbolizes the endurance of true bonds. It is widely known as the friendship flower.
What is the difference between Alstroemeria aurea and modern hybrid alstroemerias?
Alstroemeria aurea is the wild species from Chile and Argentina, producing vivid orange or yellow flowers with bold red-brown streaks. Modern hybrid alstroemerias have been bred from multiple species, including A. aurea, to produce a much wider range of colors and more compact growth habits, but they have largely lost the vigorous spreading character of the wild species.
How long do Alstroemeria flowers last in a vase?
Alstroemeria is one of the longest-lasting cut flowers available, typically remaining fresh for 2 to 3 weeks in a vase with regular water changes. This exceptional vase life is one reason it is so popular in the cut flower trade and as a gift expressing lasting friendship.
Is Alstroemeria aurea invasive?
In some mild-climate regions including parts of the British Isles, Australia, and New Zealand, A. aurea has escaped cultivation and naturalized in the wild, where it can spread aggressively. It is considered an invasive weed in parts of New Zealand. In gardens, established colonies spread steadily but controllably.
Why do Alstroemeria leaves twist?
Alstroemeria leaves undergo a process called resupination: the leaf stalk twists 180 degrees as the leaf grows, causing the underside of the leaf to face upward. This is a fixed genetic characteristic unique to the genus and has no known functional significance, though it has made the plant easily identifiable and symbolic of transformation.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
Share This Flower
Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria spp. (Peruvian Lily)
Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian Lily, is a long-flowering perennial celebrated for its vibrant lily-like blooms and symbolic representation of friendship and devotion.
Hedychium
Hedychium coronarium (and other spp.)
Hedychium produces intensely fragrant butterfly-shaped flowers in elegant spikes. They symbolize pure love, grace, and the sweetness of life.
Acacia
Acacia spp.
Acacia is a diverse genus with distinctive fluffy yellow or white flower balls and compound leaves, symbolizing resilience, friendship, and Australian national identity.