Lisianthus: The Elegant Fresh Choice
The Eustoma grandiflorum (lisianthus) is a recent addition that is skyrocketing in consumer appeal. With the elegance of a rose, the delicate petals of a sweet pea, and the stamina of a wildflower, in just a few years the Eustoma has risen to prominence. This variety originated from an American wildflower native to the mountain and southwestern states, but it has been improved in size and endurance for use in floral arrangements. In California, the lisianthus, another name for the Eustoma grandiflorum, is grown year round in greenhouses. For the last few years growers have been experimenting with this variety to learn about the optimal growing conditions. Many growers are now expanding their plantings, so supplies from California are increasing. The lisianthus resembles a rose with its tightly closed buds on long stems, which range from 20 to 30 inches in length. As the flower opens, the ruffled petals give the flower the grace and charm of a wild rose. The multi-branched stems have several buds that open successively. The long lasting blooms of the lisianthus are an asset. The flower will last at least one week after opening. Since there are several buds on a stem, others continue to open, extending your enjoyment of the bouquet. With its ruffled, delicate petals and subtle colors, lisianthus is ideal for romantic occasions. The double flowering white variety has become very popular for weddings. It is often mixed with other soft, romantic flowers, such as lace flower, lilies, freesia, and roses.
| The range of colors for the lisianthus includes solid colors of white, light and dark pink, and lavender and dark purple, and the picotee series of white edged with pink or purple. A recent addition to the color selection is a creamy white, a white with just a hint of yellow. The vibrant richness of the solid purple color and the picotee series have attracted the most attention. A main feature of the lisianthus is its versatility, and it works well in many different types of arrangements contemporary, country, as well as romantic. The deep, bright purple of the single flowering variety and its gray-green foliage is perfect for the clean lines of a striking contemporary design. The dusty rose-white, or lavender-white of the picotee series carries out the English country look. For a high style look, combine white lisianthus with white tulips. The lisianthus is also a multi-faceted bouquet flower. To accentuate the effect of its soft, papery petals, combine it with other flowers with similar texture, such as sweet peas, saponaria, and Iceland poppies, suggests Rene van Rems, AIFD, a world renowned floral designer from San Diego. For the natural, botanical look of European styles, the lisianthus combines well with natural materials, such as twigs and moss. It also works well with the new trend toward one color bouquets. Mix it with spray roses for a bouquet of white, multi-petalled flowers. Because they are lightweight and are slow to show wilting, the lisianthus is excellent for corsages. Lisianthus is phototropic, which means it will grow towards the source of light. If set in an arrangement at a 45° angle, the tip will grow upright toward the light source. The lisianthus requires the same care and handling practices as other cut flowers, and be sure to remove any foliage that will be under water in the vase. |
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Including a few stems of a novelty flower adds a special uniqueness to any floral arrangements. Particularly if that "something new" turns out to be long lasting and beautiful, such as lisianthus.