Are you on the hunt for a bright, elegant flower to add a touch of sunshine to your home or as a gift? Then look no further than the deceptively simple lisianthus flower. Originating from North America but now flourishing worldwide, this outstanding flower is a mainstay in floral arrangements. If you are a green thumb gardener or flower novice, come discover why lisianthus should have a special place in your home and heart.
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The Origins of the Lisianthus Flower
The lisianthus, commonly known as Eustoma, is a flower native to North America. It grows wild in prairies and desert river beds across multiple states. The lisianthus is known as the “prairie gentian” in Texas, Nebraska, Nevada, and Colorado due to its natural environment in those states. During the 1930s, Japanese flower producers experimented with crossbreeding the wild prairie gentian. This resulted in the production of the present cultivated variety of lisianthus, which is now commercially available worldwide. The prairie gentian was changed from a native wildflower to a popular decorative plant spread all over the world thanks to the efforts of Japanese breeders.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Lisianthus Flowers
Like many flowers, lisianthus flowers each carry their own symbolic meanings. In the Victorian language of flowers, lisianthus represented gratitude. Even today certain colors of lisianthus have come to symbolize the following meanings:
White lisianthus symbolizes purity, innocence, humility, and purity of heart. This is the reason many people prefer to use lisianthus in wedding bouquets and ceremonies to represent the bride’s purity and virtue.
Purple lisianthus represents wisdom, imagination, and creativity. Purple is also the color that represents royalty, so the purple lisianthus flower can signify nobility.
Blue lisianthus symbolizes trust, loyalty, calm, and serenity. Blue is seen as a tranquil color so blue lisianthus works well in arrangements meant to soothe.
Pink lisianthus symbolizes gratitude, appreciation, and gentleness. Pink expresses care, compassion, and admiration which makes pink ideal for lisianthus flower arrangements thanking someone.
The lavender lisianthus flower combines the lisianthus flower meaning of purple and pink to symbolize imagination, creativity, friendship, and admiration. Lavender lisianthus expresses creativity with a hint of gratitude.
Care and Cultivation of Lisianthus Plants
Lisianthus are fairly easy to grow and make beautiful cut flowers and bedding plants. Here are some tips for caring for lisianthus flower plants:
- Lisianthus prefers full sun to light shade and rich, well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or peat moss.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Stake taller varieties if needed to prevent wind damage.
- Water regularly, but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Too much water can cause root rot.
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced plant food during bloom season.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage additional flowering. Lisianthus will rebloom throughout the summer.
- Cut flowering stems when one-third of the flowers on the stem have opened. Trim stems underwater for the longest vase life.
- Bring potted plants indoors before the first fall frost. Continue watering less frequently through winter.
Also Read: How to Care for Plants During Summer Heatwaves
Benefits and Uses of Lisianthus Flowers
In addition to their symbolic meanings and beauty, lisianthus flowers have many other benefits and uses:
- Lisianthus flower bouquets and arrangements are a popular choice for weddings, funerals, parties, and other special events. Their delicate blooms look elegant in white or pastel colors.
- Their long vase life of 7-10 days means their cut flowers will last on a recipient’s table or desk for over a week with proper lisianthus cut flower care.
- Try adding lisianthus to floral crown or wreath designs for a touch of whimsy. Their unusual petal shapes stand out beautifully.
- Consider ordering online lisianthus flower delivery from local florists for any occasion as a unique alternative to roses or tulips. Lisianthus flower symbolism adds meaning.
Lisianthus flower facts
To conclude, here are some additional facts about lisianthus flowers:
- Unlike many other flowers, lisianthus blooms open from the inside out. The smaller buds near the center open first before the larger outer buds.
- Popular as cut flowers and grown commercially for the floral industry worldwide they are best to send flowers online. They are often called the “Prairie Gentian” or “Texas Bluebell”.
- Lisianthus plants prefer sunny locations and well-draining soil. They will grow best in zones 8-11. Lisianthus also needs consistent moisture so the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Fertilizer should be given monthly during the growing season. Lisianthus bushes can reach 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.
SnapBlooms makes it easy to buy and send flowers online.
By now we are sure you want to get your hands on some of these cheerful Lisianthus flower plants. SnapBlooms has an amazing selection of varieties and floral arrangements, perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a last-minute bouquet, gift basket, or centerpiece, SnapBlooms makes ordering easy and affordable. Order Same Day flower delivery today!
