PlantFiles: Prairie Gentian, Lisianthus, Texas Bluebell
Eustoma grandiflorum 'Lizzy Blue'

I love this little plant with the big name--Lisianthus. I left it in a pot on a stand above my perennials and it was beautiful all summer 2010. I tried to buy it again from my local garden store near me this spring and they no longer carry it as they said people have a lot of problems growing it. (Prone to fungus?) They previously recommended low watering and I ignored the plant most of last summer when I walked past it with my watering can to refresh my other container plants. It seems to have worked because it was exquisite and required very little work.

I am a hairdresser, and I had a customer that brought me in an arrangement of Lisianthus. They were so beautiful, and lasted over 2 weeks in a vase. She orders her plants over the net, but I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas. I really want to plant some this summer.

I absolutly love Lisianthus, in any variety. My favorite is what I call Forver Blue. It is about a 10" annual that blooms profusely all summer long. I have tried to start them from seeds, but without any luck. I understand that they are extremely difficult and the seeds are as tiny as dust. Occasionally I find them in garden stores here in OKC, but mostly I order them over the net. I ALWAYS order Lisianthus when it is available. They make wonderful plants in pots, that is where I have had the most luck. And occasionally they will winter over for me. Give them a try.....and enjoy!