Lisianthus

Lisianthus or Eustoma grandiflorum, are slow growing prairie plants that naturally occur in warm grassy or disturbed areas of the North America, the Caribbean and northern South America. The flowers come mostly in shades of pink, purple, or white with the same round whirl of petals as a rose and a long vase life. I notice people are often charmed by these flowers. When I sold these flowers at farmer’s markets, I knew if somebody asked for roses in their bouquet, they were talking about these. Sadly, Lisianthus is endangered in several states. Like many wild flowers, their survival now depends on human cultivation and stewardship of their native habitat.

Bloom time: July-November