Flower of the Month – April 2019

Name: Lisianthus

Other names: Texas Bluebells, Prairie Gentian and Lira de San Pedro.

Colours: White, soft pink, purple, lime, lilac and white with a purple tip.

Family: Gentianaceae  Genus: Eustoma

Availability:  All year round

What’s in a name:  The Genus name Eustoma comes from the Greek words ’eu’ and ’stoma’, which translates to 'Well Spoken'. The common name ’Lisianthus’ comes from the Greek words ’lysis’, meaning ’dissolution’, and ’anthos’, meaning flower.

Why we love it: Native to the North American prairies of Nebraska, Colorado and Texas, it is said that the Lisianthus symbolises gratefulness, charisma and appreciation. It is a fantastically versatile flower that works well in many different arrangements including wedding bouquets, corsages and centrepieces. And did you know, Lisianthus are geotropic meaning they are affected by the force of gravity and will curve upward if stems are placed horizontally!