Eustoma Featuring Floristry Tips from Su Whale
- Su Whale
- Aug 29
- 1 min read
Pretty, with ruffled, bell-shaped flowers and grey-green leaves, Eustoma (or lisianthus) is popular and long-lasting. Originating from the dry, hot south-west States of the USA its common names over there are Texas bluebell and prairie gentian which tells you that this flower is tougher than you might think!
Recent developments have produced lisianthus in an exciting range of colours which makes it one of the most versatile cut flowers on the market.
General Information:
Genus: Eustoma Family: Gentianaceae
Common Name: Lisianthus.
Stem Length: Medium. Stem Type: Soft.
Furled buds will continue to unwind after the flower is cut.
UK Grown Flowering Period: July - September. General Availability: All year round.
Vase Life: 10-14 days.
Colour Range: Shades of pink, purple, lilac, salmon, white and green.
Care & conditioning as a cut flower:
Ideal temperature range: 8-15°C.
Colder temperatures will shorten its vase life.
Re-cut stems every 2-3 days to ensure the flower can take up enough water.
Susceptible to grey mould, needs good air circulation.
Handle carefully, as side shoots can break easily.
Wedding and Design work:
With its delicate, roselike form, Eustoma is an excellent wedding flower. In either its single or double forms it can be used in all bridal designs, table vases and large venue arrangements. It can be wired with care but is happier when left in water.
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
