Thanks to its strong vase life and countless color shades, the alstroemeria or Inca lily is a fixed value for many florists. The variant is characterized by its trumpet-shaped flowers in the shape of mini lilies and the characteristic speckled leaves in the center of the flower. To emphasize the versatility of the flower, I processed the Alstroemeria Prestige and Florinca Pink Paradiso varieties in a surprisingly different way each time.
As a floral designer, it's the strong vase life and countless color shades that make the alstroemeria such a delight to work with. These mini lilies, with their trumpet-shaped flowers and characteristic speckled leaves in the center, have a charm that's all their own.
Design #1 - Lily Pond
The first design, named 'Lily Pond', brings the Alstroemeria Prestige variant to life. Here, I wanted to showcase the airy, almost 'dancing' effect of the flowers. To achieve this, I removed the speckled petals from the inside of the flower. The result was stunning – the flowers looked like butterflies, gently floating above the design.
For the finishing touch, I chose bright blue water lilies, Orlaya, and Wisteria, which amplified the dreamy effect of the design and beautifully complemented the delicate Prestige variant. The color combination of white, deep blue, and dark purple provides a calming and soothing effect.
In keeping with the natural theme of the design, I used a transparent glass bowl, filled with water and sprigs of Pittosporum Nevato. To keep the flowers in place, I used a Kenzan pick, anchoring them firmly within the design.
Design #2 - White Softness
The second creation, 'White Softness', is a beautiful blend of the same Alstroemeria Prestige, now with the Dahlia Caro. The Viburnum Roseum adds a fresh touch to the entire design. Its color tone harmonizes beautifully with the light green accent found on the Alstroemeria petals. The Prestige's off-white shade matches perfectly with the Dahlia Caro, giving the design an airy, light character.
Like the first design, I placed the arrangement in a glass bowl filled with water, again avoiding the use of floral foam. It's a small step towards creating sustainable floral arrangements.
Design #3 - Pink Paradise
The third design, 'Pink Paradise', features the Alstroemeria Florinca Pink Paradiso variety. As the name suggests, this variant has an exotic touch to it. The petals have a beautiful dark pink hue which grows paler towards the center of the flower. The inner leaves exhibit the typical speckled pattern but with an unexpected yellow-green accent at the core.
To highlight the beauty of this flower, I crafted it into a waterfall bouquet. Each flower was individually wired and then incorporated, piece by piece, into a hand-tied cascade bouquet. Thanks to the strong vase life of this flower, it is perfect for this. I chose to add sprigs of laburnum to reinforce the yellow accent in the heart of the flower.
The Remarkably Resilient Alstroemeria
The Alstroemeria, a remarkably resilient flower, offers endless surprising combinations due to its extensive color palette. In my studio, I love to explore this flower's versatility, and I hope this post has given you some inspiration for your own floral arrangements. Remember, the possibilities are as endless as the color shades of the alstroemeria itself.
Also, keep an open mind when working with alstroemerias. Sometimes, it's the unexpected combinations that create the most striking designs. Just think of the blend of the Alstroemeria Prestige with the Dahlia Caro in the 'White Softness' design or the exotic touch added by the Florinca Pink Paradiso in the 'Pink Paradise' bouquet.
Tips for Alstroemeria Care
Before I leave you to your own floral adventures, let's quickly go over some care tips for Alstroemerias. They're remarkably easy to look after, another reason why I adore them so much.
When you arrange them in a vase, cut about an inch off the bottom of the stems at a 45-degree angle. This helps the flowers absorb more water and extends their vase life. Change the water in the vase every couple of days and re-cut the stems if necessary. With these simple steps, your alstroemerias will look fresh and vibrant for a long time.
A Delightful Journey
Exploring the world of alstroemerias has been a delightful journey for me. Their strength, versatility, and extensive color palette make them a joy to work with. Whether it's a miniature lily pond, a soft white ensemble, or a vibrant pink paradise, the alstroemeria never ceases to amaze me.
I hope this post has ignited your passion for these beautiful flowers. I can't wait to see how you use the Alstroemeria Prestige and Florinca Pink Paradiso in your own designs. Until next time, keep your imagination in bloom!
Céline Van den Berghe – Founder & Owner Fleur de Coeur (@fleurdecoeur.be)
Both Alstroemeria Prestige and Florinca Pink Paradiso are bred by Könst Alstroemeria.
