Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 24th Nov 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Eustoma plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
At a Glance: Eustoma
- Plant Characteristics: Eustoma exhibits elegant, bell-shaped flowers in a range of colors. It is ideal for ornamental garden use. Its long stems and large blooms can also be used for cut flower arrangements.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Flourishes in a well-drained soil located in full sun to partial shade. Provide a warm, sheltered spot to protect from strong winds.
- General Care: Moderate maintenance. Regular watering and fertilization promote healthy growth. Deadheading encourages more blooms.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Lisianthus will thrive only with attentive care. Beginners will succeed through monitoring water levels and ensuring shelter from harsh elements. Its beauty easily compensates for the extra care it requires.
Prairie Gentian, Texas Bluebell, & Lisianthus: Cultivation & Garden Use
Although a perennial Eustoma is more usually grown as an annual in the garden. There are three species in the genus and they are commonly referred to as Texas Bluebell and Prairie Gentian.
Lisianthus Plant (Prairie Gentian), photograph by Jacinta lluch valero; CC.
Visit this page of Gardener's HQ if you are looking for advice on growing Gentian plants from the Gentiana genus.
Ideally Eustoma should be grown in areas that have hot summers.
Eustoma flower in the summer with double bell shaped flowers of purple, pink, or cream, atop an upright stem.
Eustoma exaltatum - Catchfly Prairie Gentian by Marlin Harm; creative commons.
Plants can reach heights of 15 to 60 cm (6 to 24 inches), making them great to use in your borders.
Common names for Eustoma species include Prairie gentian and Lisianthus.
How to Grow Prairie Gentian and other Eustoma Plants in the Garden
It is best to start Prairie Gentian off indoors first.
The seeds should be sown on the surface of a moist soil in a peat pot, about ten weeks before they are due to be planted out in spring.
Eustoma grandiflorum by Plantscape (Ajinkya); creative commons.
It takes about one to three weeks to germinate; they require a steady temperature of 20 to 22 degrees Centigrade (68 to 72°F) and light to germinate.
Once the Eustoma plants have grown to a height of about 15 cm (6 inches) transplant them into a sunny part of the garden that has good drainage.
Space at about 30 cm (12 inches) apart.
Eustoma Video Growing Guide
Plants from the Eustoma genus are known as Lisianthus or Prairie Gentian plants. The often-grown species Eustoma grandiflorum common name is usually refered to as Lisianthus, but has more localized names such as Bluebell Gentian or Texas Bluebell.
NB. Although Eustoma russellianum is the generally accepted scientific name, gardener's still generally refer to this plant as Eustoma grandiflorum.
Commonly Grown Eustoma Species
Eustoma grandiflorum
Eustoma grandiflorum (Bluebell Gentian), picture by 阿橋 HQ; CC.
Eustoma exaltatum
Eustoma exaltatum (Showy Prairie Gentian), Image by Andrey Zharkikh; CC.
Eustoma exaltatum subsp. russellianum
Eustoma exaltatum subsp. russellianum (Eustoma "Lisianthus"), photograph by Tatters ✾; CC.
Commonly Grown Eustoma / Lisianthus Cultivars
'Double White Lisianthus'
Lisianthus 'Double White' photograph by Swallowtail Garden Seeds; CC.
Pink Lisanthus
Pink Eustoma Cultivar photograph by 阿橋 HQ; CC.
Yellow Lisanthes
Yellow Eustoma Cultivar photograph by Kazuhiro Keino; CC.
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Eustoma Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Gentian, Texas Bluebell, Lisianthus, Prairie Gentian, Tulip gentian.
Life Cycle: Hardy Hardy annual. Half hardy perennial. Biennial.
Height: 8 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm).
Native: Americas.
Growing Region: Zones 5 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10. UK Hardiness: Perennial H3: hardy to -5°C (23°F); Annual H7: below -20°C (-4°F)
Blooms: Spring or Summer.
Flower Details: Purple, blue, pink, cream, white, yellow. Bell-shaped. Rose-like. 7 cm (3 inches) diameter.
Foliage: Blueish-green. Waxy.
Sow Outside: Surface. Early spring in warm areas. Spacing 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).
Sow Inside: Use Peat pots. Germination time: ten days to three weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Three months in advance. Transplant seedlings when they reach about six inches (15cm) in height, a few weeks after the last frost when temperatures do not drop below 41°F (5°C).
Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Moist soil. Pinch tips. Do not transplant. Soil pH 6.5 to 7.
Family: Gentianaceae
Miscellaneous: Although often going by the common name of Gentian, members of the Eustoma genus should not be confused with members of the Gentiana genus Other members of this family include the Centaury.
Common Questions
How many members does the Eustoma genus have?
The Eustoma genus is small, consisting of only a few species, possibly just one (depending on botanical classification).
Do members of Eustoma make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Eustoma, commonly known as Lisianthus or Prairie Gentian, are beloved for their large, rose-like flowers and are great for borders or containers.
Which Eustoma species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The Eustoma grandiflorum (Lisianthus) is most frequently grown by gardeners for its beautiful blooms.
Are members of the Eustoma plant genus fragrant?
No, Eustoma flowers are not typically fragrant.
What is the perfect location to grow Eustoma?
Eustoma prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor planting.
Is Eustoma invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Eustoma is not considered invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Eustoma plants from my garden?
To remove Eustoma, dig up the entire plant, including the roots.
Summary
The Eustoma genus, commonly known as Lisianthus or Prairie Gentian is native to the southern United States, Mexico, Caribbean, and northern South America. This annual or short-lived perennial is grown for its large, bell-shaped flowers, which can be white, pink, purple, or blue.
Eustoma plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or transplants. With their long-lasting, rose-like flowers, they make excellent cut flowers and are also beautiful in borders or containers. They require a long growing season and do not tolerate frost.
Caring for Eustoma Plants
If you require more Eustoma plants, then they are best grown from seed. Once growing, young Eustoma should be pinched to encourage branching and further blooms.
It is important that the plants be kept very dry, though they can have an occasional light watering from below.
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