It’s also called the Peruvian lily or alstroemeria. The lily of the incas is a mysterious flower from another world. Because of its long history and beautiful speckled petals, this flower has become a treasured one with deep meaning.
In this article, we will uncover the origins and cultural significance of the lily of the incas. We’ll explore what this striking flower represents and why it makes a meaningful gift. Read on to learn the captivating details behind this Andean beauty.
A Storied History
The Inca lily grows naturally in South America, mostly in Chile and Peru. For hundreds of years, people from the Andes have grown these flowers. They thought of the alstroemeria as a magical flower that brought luck and wealth.
A story says that Incan rulers only put alstroemerias in royal gardens because the flower is linked to wealth. The name “lily of the incas” refers to a type of plant called alstroemeria aurea that grew in the old Incan empire.
Europeans didn’t discover these treasured flowers until the 18th century. Claus von Alstroemer, a Swedish botanist, brought the plant to Europe after finding it in Spain in 1753. A lot of people loved it, so it was brought from far away and given the name alstroemeria in honor of Alstroemer.
Today, over 200 hybrids and cultivars exist thanks to modern breeding. The alstroemeria remains an iconic flower of South American cultural heritage.
Rich Symbolic Meaning
So what exactly does this unique flower represent? Here are the core symbolic meanings behind the lily of the incas:
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Friendship – The twisting, turning leaves represent the ups and downs of friendships. The striped petals resemble how friends weave in and out of each other’s lives.
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Devotion – The flower’s association with friendship evolved into representing loyalty and devotion, especially in romantic relationships.
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Good Fortune – True to its Incan roots, the alstroemeria signifies luck, success, prosperity, and abundance.
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Wealth – For ancient Peruvians and Incans, the bloom represented riches and high social status.
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Grace – The delicate, speckled alstroemeria flowers express grace, elegance and femininity.
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Aspiration – The tall, upright stems symbolize growth, achievement, and fulfillment of dreams.
So this special flower conveys friendship, devotion, fortune, grace, and aspiration. It remains a meaningful bloom full of positive symbolism.
Gift-Giving Meaning
The poignant symbolism of the lily of the incas translates beautifully into floral gifts. Here are some of the most common ways this flower lends meaning to arrangements:
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Friendship bouquets – Alstroemerias convey closeness between friends when included in mixed flower arrangements.
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Romantic gifts – Red or pink alstroemerias represent commitment and passion in relationships.
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Weddings – Alstroemerias symbolize devotion and luck, making them ideal for bridal bouquets and wedding décor.
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New home gift – A vase of alstroemerias makes a fitting housewarming gift, wishing prosperity and success.
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Get well gift – The cheerful blooms can brighten someone’s spirits while recovering.
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Sympathy gift – Alstroemerias express graceful devotion when gifting flowers to grieving loved ones.
There are infinite ways to add meaning with the lily of the incas in floral gifts for all of life’s occasions.
Fun Facts
Beyond the rich symbolism, here are some fascinating facts about the lily of the incas:
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The ink-like speckles on the petals occur naturally through a process called splotching unique to alstroemerias.
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The plants thrive in cool, mountainous climates like their native Andes region.
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Alstroemerias grow from rhizomes, not bulbs, so they easily spread and propagate.
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The flowers can last up to 3 weeks if cared for properly, thanks to their long vase life.
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Most commercial varieties have lost fragrance due to overzealous breeding, but heirloom types retain aroma.
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All parts of the plant contain toxins called saponins that protect from pests but can cause illness if ingested.
Growing the Lily of the Incas
Want to grow these special blooms yourself? Follow these tips:
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Plant in early spring or fall depending on your zone. Soak rhizomes before planting.
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Choose a spot with full sun or light shade and enriched, well-draining soil.
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Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Plant rhizomes vertically with the crown 2 inches below the soil.
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Water when soil dries out. Fertilize in spring and summer. Remove spent flower stems.
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Divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years. Replant the separated rhizomes 12 inches apart.
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Watch for pests like aphids and mildew. Control with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
With proper care, you can enjoy the exotic lily of the incas blooming in your own garden.
Arrange and Gift with Meaning
Looking to buy or arrange these meaningful flowers? Follow these tips:
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Choose freshly opened blossoms that haven’t been open more than 2-3 days.
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Recut stems and place in water with floral preservative to maximize vase life.
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Mix alstroemeria with roses, lilies, irises, and other complementary blooms.
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Use as filler flowers among focal blooms to create stunning arrangements.
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Alternate light and dark shades for an ombre color effect.
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Display in a clear vase to showcase the painted petals.
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Add a card explaining the symbolism behind your floral gift.
With its storied past and diverse meanings, the lily of the incas makes a tasteful, symbolic gift for all occasions. Let this exotic bloom from the Andes infuse your floral arrangements and gifts with deeper meaning.
Summer has bloomed againOur gorgeous summer collection is here to brighten their day!
There’s no better flower than alstroemeria to fill out big pedestal arrangements. Florists love them in the summer, when they’re at their strongest and can be used in a lot more creative ways. It is not uncommon for people to be allergic to this beautiful bloom so it may be preferable to avoid hand-tied arrangements so to not add any unnecessary stress to your special day.
Asters are great for wedding bouquets because they last a long time and come in so many colors that you can mix and match them as much as you want. If having British grown blo.
As Alstroemeria are such wonderful flowers, youll want them to last as long as possible. Heres how to get the most from your Alstroemeria flowers:
- Re-cut the stems at an angle and take off any leaves that might be below the water line when the vase is put in. Taking the leaves off the stem makes the water flow to the flower head.
- Before putting your flowers in a clean vase, fill it with cool water and add flower food.
- Every three to four days, change the water and cut off the stems.
- For best results, display alstroemeria in cool shady spot. Avoid proximity to ripening fruit or positioning in direct sunlight.
- Alstroemeria can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
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Exploring the beauty of the Inca lily
FAQ
What does the Inca Lily symbolize?
The alstroemeria flower has an array of meanings depending on the colour. But the beautiful blooms always connect to a similar meaning of friendship, love, strength and devotion. They’re often thought to represent mutual support. And the ability to help each other through the trials and tribulations of life.
What is the spiritual significance of lily?
Symbolically, lilies are associated with purity of heart and soul, spirituality, divinity, new beginnings, the cyclical nature of life, beauty, elegance, love, and sympathy for the departed. What does the white lily symbolize? White lilies symbolize purity, innocence, modesty, and the restored innocence of the soul.
What does it mean to give someone a lily of the valley?
Lily of the valley meaning: The lily of the valley is a sign of purity, joy, love, sincerity, happiness, and luck, and its meaning goes far beyond the UK. It’s actually the national flower of Finland, and in France, on 1st May for La Fête du Muguet, lily of the valleys are gifted to loved ones.
What is the Inca flower symbol?
During the Inca Empire, the Cantuta Flower was used as a symbol of identity and unification of the Inca people. The Incas planted this flower in their gardens and used it in religious ceremonies and festivals. Today, the Cantuta Flower is considered a national symbol of Peru.