Lisianthus blooms have such a soft, feminine look and they’re so long-lasting.
They’re the kind of flower that people admire, but very few know their name. I’ve known those who mistake the double-petalled varieties for roses and even peonies.
Below is an overview of the Lisianthus: -
What is the Latin name?
Eustoma
What is it commonly known as?
Lisianthus
How do you pronounce it?
lizzie-ANN-thus
What does it look like?
Delicate trumpets of white, purple, pink, cream, lilac or bi-coloured flowers in single and double-petalled varieties. An example of bi-colouring is white petals with a purple rim.
When can you buy them?
Available all year round
Where can you buy them from?
Florists, supermarkets and garden centres. Make sure when you buy them that at least one flower is open on each stem.
How do you look after them?
Cut the stems on a slant with scissors and place them in a clean vase with fresh water. Do keep them away from bright sunlight as they don’t like humidity.
Did you know?
They’re also known as prairie gentians or Texas bluebells. And I’ve heard and seen them called Lizzy at flower markets.
Lisianthus means ‘bitter flower’. This refers to the taste of the flowers which were traditionally used in herbal medicine…not of course, something I’d recommend nowadays!
(Images : Rona Wheeldon for Flowerona)
Such a great flower. I love them as they are so versatile and last so well as well. Nice photo’s by the way
Thank you, Max…
How wonderful! I have never heard of these but my favourite two flowers are peonies and roses so I must learn more about these. They do look beautiful, love the soft delicate pinks, lovely photos too. Thanks for introducing me to a new flower to love!
You’re very welcome Rosie…lisianthus are very readily available, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble hunting them down. Thank you for your lovely comments about my photos too.
Ooo Just lovely Rona, these remind me of our handfasting as I had cream ones in my bouquet, exquisite and delicate (rather unlike the bride in this case
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I’ve not heard of handfasting before…but have looked it up now on Google! You learn something every day…
Very nice short, yet complete description of this beautiful American native flowers.
I would only added the full Latin name (a bit complicated!) – Eustoma exaltatum subsp. russellianum , family Gentianaceae
(too often it is referred as its synonym Eustoma grandiflorum)
They are available in florist shops in Australia, where I am.
Thank you Tatiana
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I just wondered if these are dangerous to cats any info useful
Thanks
Hi Kathryn. Thank you for comment. I’m really sorry but I don’t know… Might be best to do a general search in Google?
Unfortunately they are toxic to cats so I have to love these beautiful flowers at a distance as my cats love to play with flowers.
My favorite flower ,so delicate and long lasting.I put these on my husbands grave one of the only flowers that the rabbits don’t eat,would you know if deer eat them as my brother has the same trouble with his late wife’s grave .
how can i propagate lisianthus?
I’m very sorry…but I don’t know as I’ve only dealt with the cut flower. Perhaps it may be a good idea to pop into your local garden centre who may be able to help?
A friend said these were her favourite flower and the picture she had of them looked so pretty that I googled and found your site. In Canada lisianthus seeds are available but must be started indoors 12 – 16 weeks before the last frost. Oh well, there’s always next year.
Hi Rona!
. Thank you very much for popping by Flowerona and I hope your lisianthus growing goes well next year!
It’s not often I meet another Rona
Rona x
Just been told that Lizzieanthum can be replanted. Cut flowers and when then die off, plant them and they grow. This has been done with flowers given to us in bunch. Annie
Hi I’ve bought lisianthus seeds from a company called ‘Nicky’s seeds’ found them on the web. I’m a gardener last year I grew flowers for a friends wedding and loved it, so this year I’m growing more varieties hoping to sell them to friends and my gardening clients, could be quite a challenge in South Wales! Jacky
Hope your lisianthus growing is very successful Jacky
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Thank you Rona loving your website really inspirational.
Jacky
Thank you so much Jacky for your lovely comment
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