This year, the clear winner in my garden is the lisianthus. Lisianthus is the cultivated form of eustoma, a native prairie flower. The plant first caught my eye because it's wildflower origins suggest it is easy to grow and could be a real stunner.
Early Days: Mother's Day to Solstice
Lisianthus is a slow starter, but the results were definitely worth the wait. I planted mine in early May; splitting my plants between a mono container and sharing residence with coleus and browallia in a western facing window box. The plants started out at 3 inches, but steadily grew over 12 inches by end of June.
At one point, the leaves started to brown, and I quickly realized that I was overwatering this hardy wildflower. I also had to stake the stalks as they became too tall and started drooping.
Almost Blooming: Solstice to Independence Day
Finally, in early July, I started to note buds. However, I was startled to discover the buds were green, and not the purple that was promised on the tags. This was merely a ruse, though as the buds opened they appeared as a light lavender and gradually grew darker.
Beauties in Bloom: Independence Day to Present
After another week, the buds finally bloomed into bright purple flowers with neon green seeds in their center. The flowers most closely resemble a rose and survive for up to two to three weeks. Moreover, they make tremendous cut flowers. As in soil, the cut flowers area hardy and have lasted more than a week in my recent arrangements. Now, in mid August, my lisianthus is still blooming. I had to cut one stalk out of my potted version, but continue to see blooms on the remaining three stalks.
I am absolutely in love with the finished product and hope I can continue to plant this beautiful prairie flower in my garden for years to come.
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