Eustoma russellianum has blue-green waxy leaves and showy bell shaped flowers in blue pink or white each borne singly on an upright plant. Depending on where it grows it may present as an annual, biennial or perennial plant.
Scientific Classification:
- Scientific name: Eustoma russellianum (Hook.) G. Don
- Common names: lisianthus, Texas bluebell, prairie gentian
- Family: Gentianaceae
- Tribe: Chironieae
- Subtribe: Chironiinae
- Genus: Eustoma
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Description
Eustoma russellianum are herbaceous annuals, growing to 15–60 cm tall, with bluish green, slightly succulent leaves and large funnel-shaped flowers growing on long straight stems: sometimes erect single stems, other times growing on branching stems that can rise to be eighteen feet tall. The flowers can grow up to two inches across and can be found in a variety of colors. They have been found in all shades of pink, purple, white, and blue. In addition, some are bicolored and some are occasionally found in yellow or carmine-red.
Eustoma flowers are either single-flowered or double-flowered. Both types of flowers can be found in all ranges of the possible colors listed above. They are usually one to three feet tall, although there are dwarf varieties that only grow up to eight inches in height.
Temperature: In summer it is desirable to maintain a not too hot temperature and to air the plant, preferably a temperature of 50-59 ° F.
Eustoma flowers are either single-flowered or double-flowered. Both types of flowers can be found in all ranges of the possible colors listed above. They are usually one to three feet tall, although there are dwarf varieties that only grow up to eight inches in height.
How to Grow and Care:
Temperature: In summer it is desirable to maintain a not too hot temperature and to air the plant, preferably a temperature of 50-59 ° F.
Humidity: The eustoma adapts in low humidity, no spraying is required.
Lighting: Bright diffused light. It takes several hours of direct sun, but should be shaded from too bright rays at noon.
Soil: The soil must be breathable, sand or perlite with peat should be added if it is too dense. For a mixture of own preparation, take: 1 part of the garden land, 1 part coarse-grained sand or perlite, peat, leaf land. Acidity is neutral or slightly alkaline (pH 6.5-7). Always use a pot with an opening and drainage.
Watering: Water once a week, the soil between waterings should dry to a depth of 2 cm, when watering, drain the water from the pan. The plant is equally sensitive to both inadequate and excessive watering.
Origin: Eustoma russellianum native to Southern Great Plains of the United States.
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Propagation
Lisianthus is still new enough on the potted flower scene that few home growers have experience propagating them. They can be grown from seed, but their size can be surprising. This plant will want to grow somewhat larger than a grower may be used to before flowering. They can also be grown from stem-tip cuttings from new plants. It’s best to do cuttings in the spring.
