The lily of the incas, also known as the Peruvian lily or alstroemeria, is an exotic flower shrouded in mystique. With its beautifully speckled petals and rich history, this bloom has become a treasured flower full of symbolic 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 lily of the incas is native to South America, especially Chile and Peru Indigenous Andean people cultivated these flowers for centuries. They viewed the alstroemeria as a mystical bloom associated with fortune and prosperity
According to legend, Incan rulers reserved alstroemerias for royal gardens due to the flower’s connection to wealth. The name “lily of the incas” specifically refers to the alstroemeria aurea species found in the old Incan empire.
Europeans didn’t discover these treasured flowers until the 18th century. Swedish botanist Claus von Alstroemer introduced the plant to Europe after finding it in Spain in 1753. It soon became a beloved exotic import and took on 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!
Alstroemeria is a particularly useful flower for filling out large pedestal arrangements and is a particular favourite of florists during the summer months when theyre at their strongest and can be used a lot more creatively. 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.
Alstroemeria is a great choice of flower for wedding arrangements as they have staying power and come in so many colours, you can mix and match until you heart is content. 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 stems at an angle and remove any leaves that may sit underneath the waterline when placed in a vase. The removal of leaves from the stem encourages water to go towards the flower head.
- Fill a clean vase with cool water and add flower food before placing in your flowers.
- Change the water every 3-4 days, trimming the stems each time.
- 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
A symbol of purity, joy, love, sincerity, happiness and luck, lily of the valley has much significance beyond the United Kingdom. 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.