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Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Alstroemeriaceae, commonly known as Peruvian lilies or lilies of the Incas.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alstroemeria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Alstroemeriaceae, commonly known as Peruvian lilies or lilies of the Incas. The genus is native to South America and includes many ornamental species grown for their colourful, long-lasting flowers. Alstroemeria is widely cultivated in Canadian gardens and the floristry trade as a long-lasting cut flower.

Description

Alstroemeria is a genus of flowering plants known for showy, often brightly coloured blooms. The plants are described as herbaceous perennials with flowers commonly used in floristry and gardens.

Distribution and habitat

The genus is exclusively native to South America, with a range extending from northern South America to southern South America. Some species have also become naturalized in other regions, including parts of North America, Oceania, and islands such as Madeira and the Canary Islands.

Uses

Alstroemeria is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and as a cut flower because of its long-lasting, attractive blooms. It is a common florist flower in many markets.

Taxonomy

The genus is placed in the family Alstroemeriaceae. References note that Alstroemeria contains numerous species, with published counts varying by source and classification.

Key facts

  • The genus is native to South America.
  • It is commonly called the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas.
  • Alstroemeria belongs to the family Alstroemeriaceae.
  • Many species are grown as ornamental garden plants and cut flowers.
  • Some species have naturalized outside South America, including in parts of North America, Oceania, and islands such as Madeira and the Canary Islands.
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Canadian context

Alstroemeria is widely cultivated in Canadian gardens and the floristry trade as a long-lasting cut flower.

Frequently asked questions

What is Alstroemeria?
Alstroemeria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Alstroemeriaceae, commonly called Peruvian lilies or lilies of the Incas.
Where is Alstroemeria native to?
It is native to South America.
What is Alstroemeria used for?
It is mainly grown as an ornamental garden plant and a cut flower.
Is Alstroemeria a true lily?
No. It is commonly called a lily, but it belongs to the family Alstroemeriaceae, not the true lily family.
Does Alstroemeria grow outside South America?
Yes. Some species have naturalized in places including the United States, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Madeira, and the Canary Islands.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alstroemeria
    Supports: Genus name, common names, family, South American native range, and naturalization outside South America.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alstroemeriaceae
    Supports: Family placement and broader family context.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alstroemerieae
    Supports: Ornamental use, herbaceous perennial habit, and distribution in Central and South America.
  4. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alstroemeria
    Supports: Definition of Alstroemeria as South American herbs cultivated for showy flowers.
  5. NC State Extension — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/alstroemeria/
    Supports: Perennial habit, common names, ornamental use, and toxicity/irritation information.
  6. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/Alstroemeriaceae
    Supports: Family distribution in the New World and botanical description of the family.