Carmen Blue Rim

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Gentianaceae

Order

Gentianales

Genus

Lisianthus

Species

grandiflorum

Description

Also known as Eustoma grandiflorum, it is an ornamental herbaceous plant with compact growth and an upright habit. The flowers, which in some varieties are also appreciated cut for fresh arrangements, are showy, elegant, single or double, present during the spring-summer period, giving a colourful accent to terraces or balconies as well as flower beds. It prefers bright but sheltered exposures from direct sun, especially during the hottest summer hours.

Variety description

Decorative plant for balcony and flower bed, limited in assortment but with showy flowers.

Curiosities and special features

Fresh flowers of certain varieties are used to create exquisite bouquets, even for weddings.

The generic epithet, Eustoma, is derived from the Greek terms eu, meaning beautiful, and stoma, meaning mouth in reference to showy flowers.

Origin and distribution

Native to the southern United States, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Texas and Mexico, it was introduced to Europe in the first half of the 19th century, arousing interest for its ornamental use in outdoor spaces. Later it was also appreciated as a cut flowering plant thanks to intensive interspecific hybridisation work that led to the modern varieties with different inflorescence colours and varying heights.

Flower size

The flower is average in size when compared to other varieties of the same botanical species.

Leaf

The leaf has an oval leaf blade.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from mid-spring to late summer and lasts between 50 and 60 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence raceme or cluster.

Leaf colour

Solid colour shades, in perfect colour balance with the flowers.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.25 m.

Lifespan

Plant often grown as an annual as it does not tolerate low winter temperatures.

Where to plant

Mainly suitable for balconies, outdoor tubs

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a funnel-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in raceme or cluster inflorescences of medium size. It flowers from mid-spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 50 and 60 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

It shows compact growth, ideal for obtaining highly decorative ensemble compositions.

Plant habit

Its erect habit gives it a relevant role in composition with other ornamental species of different development.

Branching

Branching is naturally meagre.

PH

It prefers a slightly acidic Soil/medium pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

For possible use in flower beds, before transplanting in spring, dig up the soil about 20 cm deep, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and bulky stones, then bury organic or chemical fertiliser and break up the coarsest clods. To improve drainage of excess water, continue by creating a raised flower bed by lightly ballasting, then level the surface by preparing the planting furrows according to a suitable final density.

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Sun exposure

It prefers exposures in half shade, full sun; during the hottest period prefer positions sheltered from direct sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 15 and 30 °C. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 °C, making it ideal for temperate climates.

Use

Due to the elegance and refinement of its blooms, it is appreciated as a plant in
Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness.

Soil

It prefers a peaty, light, mellow and, above all, well-draining soil; for use in pots and planters, a spring plant substrate with peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

It is on average difficult to manage, but by following a few cultivation tips regarding exposure, irrigation and fertilisation, excellent results will be achieved in terms of development and flowering.

Growing tips

For proper vegetative growth and lush flowering, it is recommended to
Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Balanced fertilisation Prefer shady locations in summer to avoid dry spells and high afternoon temperatures

Combinations with other plants

Harmonious overall effects canbe created in a flower bed or planter with other ornamentals such as Coreopsis, Lavandula angustifolia, Phlox paniculata, Tagetes, Zinnia elegans. Combinations can include shades of the same colour tone but also combinations of different colours according to carefully composed, uniform and restful patterns, defined on the basis of a series of factors such as personal taste, season and duration of flowering as the final height reached by each individual species.

Planting

For bed planting, an average density of 15 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure proper development of each specimen and thus obtain a proportionate and compact final composition. It is advisable to position the seedling with the collar off the soil surface. also water after transplanting but prevent water stagnation.

Propagation

Multiplication is by sowing.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively from aqueducts with optimal sub-acid pH, either manually or by irrigation. When transplanting, avoid excessive waterlogging but assist the seedling with regular wetting. Thereafter keep the soil or substrate moist but free from water saturation conditions that can lead to yellowing and the development of fungal diseases with subsequent root rot. It is also advisable not to water the plant from above so as not to spoil the flowering.

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Fertilising

During the vegetative growth and flowering period, apply a specific fertiliser for ornamental plants to the soil or substrate in liquid form, i.e. dilute in the irrigation water without exceeding the dosage, as lisianthus fears over-fertilisation, especially during water stress.

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Pet safety

Toxicity to pets not known; consider case-specific and do not administer.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

Do not expose to direct sun during flowering. Never allow the vegetation to wilt, always keep the soil bed moist.