As autumn settles in, purple tones take on a new kind of allure. In walks Alstroemeria Morado, a rich, dramatic dark purple alstro that seems like it was tailor-made for this season. And it’s not alone—Alstroemeria Maracana, with its warm purple-to-white blend, is also ready to shine as we transition into these cooler months. Both varieties come from the grower Tesselaar Alstroemeria, and they’re built for beauty and reliability, with a vase life that goes the distance. Here's an introduction to your two new butterfly-type alstro faves.
Alstroemeria Morado: An Autumnal Mood
Morado’s deep, velvety purple fits right in with the autumn palette, complementing seasonal foliage and those rust, amber, and forest green tones that are everywhere this time of year. Unlike other purple flowers that may feel more spring or summer, Morado’s dark shade has an earthy, grounded quality that’s perfectly in sync with the season.
The petals show just a hint of texture and variation in tone, making them feel dynamic without being overpowering. Think of it as the floral equivalent of a luxurious knit or a warm, rich wool coat—Morado’s color and texture bring a depth that feels both cozy and sophisticated. Whether it’s mixed with pastel-tinted chrysanths, dark-colored roses, all kinds of autumnal foliage, mix-n-match with other alstros, or even the dried elements that are so popular in autumn arrangements, Morado blends in beautifully, yet still stands out with its distinct shade. And for the florist, Morado is a dream to work with; its sturdy stems and resilient blooms make it a reliable choice for arrangements that need to last, whether they’re for an event or a client’s home.
Alstroemeria Maracana: Bringing Warmth to the Season
If Morado is the deep purple that grounds your autumn arrangements, Maracana is the pop of warmth that brings them to life. Named after Brazil’s famous Maracanã stadium, this Alstroemeria variety is vibrant and full of energy, with a color palette that mixes warm purple with hints of pink and white. Together, these tones create a soft but lively color that’s ideal for autumn.
While the season is often about darkening hues and muted tones, Maracana brings in a touch of brightness without feeling out of place. It works beautifully alongside the earthy tones of the season, complementing pumpkins, grasses, and foliage with ease. In arrangements, Maracana can either be the focal point or a cheerful accent, giving florists flexibility in design. This versatility and warmth make Maracana especially popular for harvest-themed arrangements, Thanksgiving centerpieces, and seasonal bouquets for the home.
Practical Perks of Morado and Maracana
Beyond their seasonal appeal, Morado and Maracana come with practical perks that florists will appreciate. Both have an impressive vase life, easily lasting up to two weeks with proper care. This longevity makes them ideal for retail florists who want to offer clients blooms that will stay fresh longer, as well as event florists who need flowers that can go the distance.
In addition, both varieties are hardy and easy to handle. Their stems are robust, so there’s no need for delicate handling, even during high-volume floral work. You won’t find bruising or wilting an issue here, which is always a relief when you’re prepping for a busy season.
Tips for Using Morado and Maracana This Autumn
Here's how to use these two purple beauties to the fullest for your autumnal arrangements:
- Play with texture: Autumn arrangements are all about layering textures. Pair Morado with eucalyptus, pampas grass, or dried seed pods for a tactile, seasonal feel. Maracana works well with softer greenery like ferns and adds warmth to natural, textured elements.
- Contrast or blend: Morado can serve as a striking contrast to oranges and yellows in seasonal arrangements or blend seamlessly with other purples and dark greens. For a balanced look, combine Maracana with complementary tones like burgundy or muted coral.
- Think long-term: With their robust vase life, these flowers work well in designs that clients want to keep around longer—think of autumn wreaths, home decor arrangements, and corporate pieces that might need to last a week or more.
- Color pairing suggestions: To make the most of Morado’s depth, try it alongside plum, burgundy, or even the soft grays and greens that are trending in autumn designs. Maracana’s warm tones can handle gold, mustard, and bronze, or even softer pinks for a more layered look.
- Pair with other alstros: Alstroemerias are available in a wide spectrum of varieties and colors. Let this flower stand out with its fellow alstros in a stunning big Alstroemeria bouquet. You will not only love yourself for it...
Built for the Season
These two varieties are more than just beautiful flowers; they’re practical, durable, and ready to handle the demands of autumn’s busiest floral occasions. Tesselaar Alstroemeria has introduced something special, offering florists fresh options that fit perfectly with the season.
Petri Rijsdijk from Fiori Bloemen in Leiden comments:
"Magnificent intense colors that are very beautiful for this season. The purple color fits both in an autumn arrangement and in the summer! When the first flowers open you have a wealth of flowers on a stem!"
As the air cools and the colors deepen, Alstroemeria Morado and Maracana are here to add their own unique flair. They’re reliable, striking, and versatile—everything a florist could want for the autumn season. However, it is important to mention that both varieties are available year-round.
Both varieties are bred by HilverdaFlorist and grown by Tesselaar Alstroemeria. Photoshoot with model Eline at Fiori Bloemen in Leiden, Netherlands.