Common names: Alstroemeria, Peruvian lily, Inca lily
Description: The main stems of these cut flowers are 2 to 3 feet long and branch into four to six short pedicels; each holding two to four flower buds.
Colors include yellow, apricot, orange, salmon, pink, red, mauve, lavender, purple, cream, white and bi-colors. Alstroemeria typically last one to two weeks.
Common names: bromeliad, urn plant, flaming sword
Description: These foliage plants have central floral spikes up to 2 feet tall and 8- to 10-inch long spiny-edged leaves that form a cup that can hold water. In some species, the flower has waxy, colored leaves. Other species send up an actual inflorescence. These plants bloom six weeks to four months, depending on variety.
Special care: Drench dry soil and fertilize monthly. Drain excess water. Keep the central cups of foliage filled with water, but change it weekly. Keep plants in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
Common names: chrysanthemum, mum
Description: Many flower forms are available. Stems may carry one flower or multiple blooms. There are also spoon-shaped, quill-shaped, threadlike or spiderlike florets. Used as both cut flowers and blooming plants, their colors include pink, yellow, red, white, bronze, magenta and purple.