How to Grow Alstroemeria Friendship
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Alstroemeria Friendship
Alstroemeria 'Friendship'
flowerAlstroemeria Friendship is a striking perennial cultivar known for its vibrant orange and red bi-colored flowers with intricate patterning and spotted throats. This hybrid variety produces long-lasting cut flowers and blooms prolifically throughout the growing season. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and floral arrangements due to its elegant appearance and extended vase life.
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Example Alstroemeria Friendship timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alstroemeria Friendship
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Alstroemeria Friendship blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; grows as an annual or short-lived perennial in cooler zones
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Dormancy/Planting
Until shoot emergence, 2-4 weeksRhizomatous tubers are planted in spring after last frost. Foliage has not yet emerged.
Choose well-draining planting site. Soak tubers 2-3 hours before planting to hydrate. Ensure soil temperature is at least 60°F (15°C). Water gently after planting.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksNarrow, lance-shaped leaves emerge and expand. Plant grows 24-36 inches tall with established stems and foliage.
Maintain consistent moisture. Support tall stems with stakes or cages if needed. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksBuds appear at stem tips, clustered in terminal inflorescences. Buds show orange and red coloring.
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Reduce nitrogen; apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage flowering. Remove any damaged or diseased stems. Stake taller varieties.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (extends with deadheading)Vibrant orange and red bi-colored flowers with spotted throats open in succession. Multiple stems produce flowers simultaneously.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut flowers for arrangements to stimulate more blooms. Maintain consistent watering. Reduce watering slightly if overwatered causes root issues.
Seed Development/Dormancy
Variable; 4-8 weeks until dormancyIf not deadheaded, flowers fade and seed pods develop. In cooler zones, foliage yellows and dies back in autumn.
Allow some flowers to mature for seed collection if desired. Reduce watering as plant prepares for dormancy. Cut back dead foliage in late fall/early winter. In warm zones, plant may remain evergreen.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure adequate air circulation
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Remove affected flowers; use sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs; neem oil application
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Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering frequency; remove affected plants; apply fungicide to remaining plants; ensure soil doesn't stay waterlogged
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe; clean up fallen debris
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryWhile not commonly consumed, Alstroemeria flowers are non-toxic and have been used as garnishes in gourmet cuisine to add visual appeal to plates and dishes. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdAlstroemeria Friendship is a premium cut flower prized by florists for its vibrant coloring, long vase life (10-14 days), and proliferous blooming. It's ideal for wedding bouquets, mixed arrangements, and high-end floral displays. [source]
Garden Border and Landscape Design
HouseholdThis cultivar adds vibrant color and structure to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and xeriscape landscapes. Its height and extended blooming period make it valuable for multi-season garden interest. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe bright orange and red flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent plant for pollinator gardens and supporting beneficial insect populations. [source]
Floral Design and Crafts
CraftThe long stems and striking bi-colored flowers make Alstroemeria ideal for dried flower arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and sustainable floral design projects with extended decorative value. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when stems are hydrated and buds are just opening. Use sharp, clean shears and cut stems at a 45-degree angle. Remove lower leaves to prevent bacterial decay in water. Change water every 2-3 days. Flowers last 10-14 days in a vase. For continuous garden blooms, deadhead spent flowers regularly, removing entire flower clusters.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Alstroemeria is native to South America and is sometimes called the 'Peruvian lily' despite not being a true lily; it's in the family Alstroemeriaceae rather than Liliaceae.
- 🌱 The Friendship cultivar is particularly valued by the floral industry because it produces multiple flower stems per plant and blooms continuously for months when properly deadheaded.
- 🌱 Alstroemeria flowers have a unique striped and spotted pattern on their petals that serves as a pollinator guide, leading insects to the flower's nectar reward.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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