Monday, June 16, 2008

Featured Flower: Alstroemeria

As Ontario’s 6th largest cut flower crop, Alstroemeria, commonly called the Peruvian Lily, is a South American genus of about 50 flowering plant species, mainly from cool, mountainous regions in the Andes. Ontario’s commercial varieties are available year round.

Perhaps due to its mountainous roots, alstroemeria leaves grow upside down. The leaf twists as it leaves the stem, so that the bottom is facing upwards. Closer inspection reveals a spiral growth pattern on the stem all the way through to the distinctive twist in the head of the flower.

Alstroemeria flowers have no fragrance but the abundance of small orchid-like blossoms in very color imaginable would make anyone smile. Florists often combine alstroemeria with lilies in cut arrangements (along with a myriad of other flowers) because alstroemeria looks like a miniature lily …and the two just seem to go together.

In the store, alstroemeria may appear to be limp, but often this drooping effect is the result of the way the flower grows. Look for just opening buds and bright green leaves as indicators of freshness. If buds are very tight, submerge in warm water to promote opening.

Remove any leaves below the water line and trim stems with a sharp knife. Add cut flower food and refresh water every few days. Temperature is key to the lifespan of flowers. Display fresh cut alstroemeria arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts and they can last up to two weeks.

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