The alstroemeria: in the Flower Agenda from weeks 17-19

The rugged alstroemeria is essential when we’re enjoying spring. That’s why this flower, bursting with colour and symbolism, will be the focus of the Flower Agenda on Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk during these weeks. Introduce your customers to this fabulous flower with its flaming interior over the coming period.

The alstroemeria’s origin
The exotic alstroemeria is also called the Inca Lily. This is a reference to its natural habitat: the cool mountain ranges of the Andes in Chile, Brazil and Peru. The flower was discovered there in the 18th century by the Swedish scientist Clas Alströmer. He gave the flower its current name.

The alstroemeria’s colours and shapes
The alstroemeria hides somewhat shyly in its bud in the shop but gosh what a surprise when it opens its buds in your home; it’s definitely a sight for sore eyes! The six to eight flowers on the stem become visible, with a flaming interior of white, yellow, red, orange, purple or pink which the customer can really enjoy.
The spray alstroemeria is smaller, but offers even more pleasure. Every branch of this alstroemeria has several stems with multiple small flowers.

Care tips for customers
Enable your customers to enjoy their alstroemerias for at least a fortnight with the following tips.
•    Select a clean vase and fill it with tap water at room temperature.
•    Add cut flower food to the water for a longer vase life.
•    Trim the alstroemeria stems diagonally by 3 to 5 cm with a sharp clean knife or secateurs.
•    Make sure there are no leaves hanging in the water.
•    Do not place alstroemerias in a draught, in full sun or near central heating.
•    Regularly top the vase up with tap water and remove wilted flowers.
•    Don’t place alstroemerias near a fruit bowl. Fruit emits ethylene gas which will cause the flowers to age more rapidly.

How to make an alstroemeria bouquet
Varying shades of bright green and bright purple, the alstroemeria provides a fresh and warm display that will cheer your customers up instantly. It combines beautifully with the gerbera, date plum, Curcuma, asparagus and Philodendron xanadu. Simply select the loveliest pink and purple shades and create a marvellous bouquet. Or would you prefer to make a different combination with a different look? From romantic to rugged, anything is possible with the alstroemeria.

Symbolism of the alstroemeria
The alstroemeria symbolises enduring friendship. It’s therefore the perfect gift to confirm a beautiful friendship. All six of the alstroemeria’s petals are very important: they stand for understanding, humour, patience, empathy, commitment and respect. Your customers can decide for themselves which petal represents which quality.

Inspiration and information
Inspiring images of every flower in the Flower Agenda have been produced in line with the Horticulture Sector Trends 2016 (Groenbranche Trends 2016). These trends are a translation of the latest consumer trends which is specifically aimed at the horticulture sector for use both indoors and outdoors.
If you would like to find out more about the Flower Agenda click here.