Lisianthus
Eustoma grandiflorum
Family: Gentianaceae · Also called Eustoma, Texas Bluebell, Prairie Gentian, Eustoma russellianum var. gracile, Eustoma russellianum f. leucantha, Eustoma russellianum f. fisheri
Powdery & Soft · Summer bloomer
Lisianthus is the flower world's greatest makeover story. A modest blue prairie wildflower from Texas and Nebraska, it was taken to Japan in the 1930s and through decades of obsessive breeding was transformed into one of the most elegant cut flowers available, ruffled, rose-like doubles in cream, blush, lavender, and deep purple that rival roses at a fraction of the price.
appreciation, charisma, gratitude
In the Victorian language of flowers, lisianthus means “Deep appreciation and charismatic charm”. Lisianthus was a humble prairie wildflower until Japanese breeders transformed it in the 1980s into one of the world's most popular cut flowers. Through decades of breeding, they created the ruffled, rose-like double forms in pastel colors that now rival roses in the luxury flower market.
Did You Know?
Japanese breeders spent 50 years transforming lisianthus from a simple blue wildflower into the ruffled, multi-petaled beauty sold in florists today. The original species has single, bell-shaped flowers, nothing like the doubles. Lisianthus is now the third most popular cut flower in Japan after roses and carnations.
Prairies and grasslands of the southern United States and Mexico
Lisianthus is native to North America. It naturally grows in prairies and grasslands of the southern united states and mexico.
Scent Profile
“A very faint, powdery-sweet presence, lisianthus captivates through its rose-like beauty rather than fragrance.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameEustoma grandiflorum
- FamilyGentianaceae
- Native ToNorth America
- Bloom SeasonSummer
- LifespanAnnual
Cultural Significance
Lisianthus was a humble prairie wildflower until Japanese breeders transformed it in the 1980s into one of the world's most popular cut flowers. Through decades of breeding, they created the ruffled, rose-like double forms in pastel colors that now rival roses in the luxury flower market.