Bluebell Gentian Eustoma grandiflorum

Eustoma grandiflorum, or Lisianthus, is a flowering biennial that will survive the winter temperatures of USDA Zones 8-10, but rather than being considered a perennial, it is more typically grown as an annual. It does best in average, moist, well-drained soil with full morning sun and afternoon shade. Because the seeds are very small and it can take months for a plant to mature from seed, it is more often purchased and transplanted or started as seed indoors 10 to 12 weeks before last frost. Flowers grow on single or branching stems and bloom from summer to first frost. You can pinch back the plant to encourage branching. Flowers are very showy in pink, white, and lavender and make good cut flowers The plant is noted for good drought tolerance.

Cultivars typically grow 18 to 30 inches tall, although some dwarf varieties only reach 6 to 8 inches tall. The dwarf plants are effective in pots or as houseplants. Cultivars also offer a range of flower colors including shades of pink, blue-violet and white. Some double-flowered varieties are also available. Lisianthus is an excellent cut flower.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Look out for viruses and stem cankers. It is susceptible to a number of fungal diseases.