Lisianthus knowledge

Lisianthus (Lizzi-an-thus), Lisi for short; or Eustoma, originates from North America. It grows naturally on the prairies, beside water holes and desert riverbeds.

Often referred to as Prairie Gentian in the states of Nevada, Texas, Nebraska, and Colorado. Growers from Asia and in particular Japan
have since the 30’s introduced new and amazing varieties through cross pollination and tissue culture.

With long slender stems, small to large sage green leaves, and multi-layered blooms, Lisianthus forms in single, double, small and large variations from blue/purple through pink, white, salmon and lilac with some spectacular bi-colours. New breeds are now being introduced with large wavy petals and full very double in the centre.

While not normally considered an edible flower, Lisianthus means ‘bitter flower’ and was said to be used as a traditional medicine, although I wasn’t able to find more information on that.

The flowers appear very delicate with their soft petals and pretty colours and numerous times we are asked if they are a rose or a peony.
In fact they are nothing alike despite appearances.

The most appealing attribute is the long vase life; in fact one of the best, lasting up to 3 to 4 weeks in a vase in Winter and easily a week to 2 weeks in Summer.

Life in a Vase

Choose a clean vessel and fill with clean fresh water; room temperature is best.

Add flower food; we use a professional liquid but sachets are available for purchase for retail. A touch of lemon, “touch” of bleach, and a little sugar or you can use lemon cordial or soft drink if it contains real lemon.

Trim the stems on an angle with clean, sharp knife or secateurs, 2 to 5 cm is good. Make the cut underwater (in a tub or sink cut underwater)
This will rehydrate the plant very quickly and extend the life of the flowers. Do this every few days or whenever the flowers look like they need a pick me up.

Make sure no leaves are submerged in the water.

Place in an environment out of full sunlight, away from drought and heating, fans or air-conditioning or fruit (fruit give off ethylene and will rapidly reduce the life of the flowers) Always ensure the water is refreshed and all stems remain submerged in the water.

Growing Lisianthus

Different tips apply to different areas but generally:
Lisianthus likes to grow in low humidity, warmer temperatures and low rainfall during winter. Lisi take a long time to grow from seed to seedling and about 8 to 12 weeks from seedling to flower. Different varieties grow better at different times of the year. Because of the early slow growth weed control is essential. It also relates to disease prevention.

Diseases and pests are best managed by nipping it in the bud early! Don’t wait till it’s a major problem. Crop rotation is recommended. Lisi are attacked by fusarium, botrytis, moulds and mildews, particularly if growing out of season. A good fungicide will help in prevention. Poor light and too low/too high temperature, incorrect watering will produce rosetting, a tight cluster of misshapen leaves and no flowers.

Pests to attack Lisianthus include leaf miners, thrips, aphids and whiteflies.

For best results, prep flower beds in the spring, adding cottonseed meal, compost and green potash to the soil. Lisianthus thrives particularly well in clay soil, as it’s able to hold water without staying wet. This is important, as Lisianthus plants require excellent drainage and soil with a pH 6.5/7.

When watering, allow surface to dry and try to maintain constant damp rather than wet. Avoid watering when the weather cools, Lisianthus prefer dry winters. To encourage regrowth, cut flowers back when they fade – this will promote branching and re-blooming.

During the germination period, which takes between 10–15 days, you must keep temperatures at 21–24°C, slightly damp and good air circulation.

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Collect: Collect from Eumundi Roses, 79 Don Napier Road, Eumundi 4562

Local Delivery: Deliveries can be made locally for plants, cut flowers, florist bunches & bridal/event orders

Australia Post Express or Fastway Couriers is listed as Australia wide flat rate: Rates will be automatically calculated AFTER you have entered your address details on the form. Please check the amount. If it seems unreasonable please contact us. The calculator is good but not infallible.

Parcels sent are charged according to their actual weight or cubic weight equivalent, whichever is greater. These charges are automatically calculated by the website once your address is entered on the order form. The calculated amount will be displayed prior to payment.
Expect 2-4 working days express and 4-21 days parcel post after we have notified that your order is ready and has been consigned. Courier destinations to major centres normally overnight to 4 working days after notification. During busy periods or if goods need to be propagated or wait for bare root season there can be lengthy delays. We will notify as much as we can of any delays. Expect 3 to 6 weeks lead time for most orders. Depending on season and availability it can be only days or can be a long wait even years for some varieties. These will list as available by pre-order. For weekends and Public holidays please note that we will avoid any holdover in depots where we possibly can. If your order needs to be received by a specific date or any other special instructions regarding the delivery there is a delivery comments section on the order form where you can provide this information. Please refrain from contacting us where possible regarding when the delivery will arrive. There is a chronological system in place that ensures customers receive their deliveries in turn. The list of orders is always on screen and constantly monitored for items ready to leave. If you’ve not received a notice that your order is coming it’s most likely not ready yet. Please check if your item is listed as “in stock” or “pre-order” They will both most likely say available. In stock generally means it is in stock at the nursery now. However bear in mind that stock moves very quickly and those changes may not be up to the minute. Best to check stock first if it’s important. Email eumundiroses1@gmail.com In the subject write “CHECK STOCK”. The email will be given priority.
Available by pre-order means you will need to wait until that item returns to stock. This could be a matter of days or can be up to 3 years or more for rare or in high demand difficult to produce varieties. Again please also “CHECK STOCK” Occasionally you may be pleasantly surprised. The stock can be here and not yet entered into inventory. Once an order is paid we do not refund. Please refrain from unpleasant calls, texts and emails over goods you wish to be earlier than they possibly can be. These are not helpful and will be blocked. Urgent orders will be treated as such where marked on the order itself with the date required.

To outer destinations please expect delivery times up to 3 weeks from time of leaving Eumundi. Plants are packed to handle up to a few weeks if necessary but only if the plants are not exposed to heat. Please consider options carefully as these are perishable goods. We would much prefer you could find a way to collect or wait for one of our runs where we deliver ourselves to many areas.

Eumundi Roses Special Delivery Runs: Eumundi Roses makes several special door to door delivery runs to Queensland and interstate to NSW, SA and VIC during June, July and August. Check each year for advertised route details. Advantage is personal delivery, no damage, friendly information and advice. Quite often the rates will be less than other forms of delivery. Some Australia Post and Courier selected deliveries will be delivered by Eumundi Roses where it is possible and appropriate. Please ensure we have your home address. (Sorry, no interstate trips this year)
We will be headed north/west very soon, and now and then a run to Brisbane. Contact us for details especially if you’d like to order multiple potted roses/standards.

Fruit Trees and other plants are available to order for local Delivery and Eumundi Roses special Delivery.
Some plants will be available for Mail Order depending on destination arrival times.
Please enquire first.
Disclaimer: Please note there are no refunds available for goods ordered and paid for. The time to shop around, check stock or inquire about other details is prior to making your purchase. Any goods damaged in transit are the responsibility of the carrier. Eumundi Roses cannot be negligent once the goods have left our care.