Purple lisianthus

Focal flower · Gentianaceae

Lisianthus

Eustoma grandiflorum

Also known as Eustoma, Prairie gentian, and Texas bluebell

Rose-like ruffled blooms associated in modern florist use with gratitude and appreciation.

Colour: Purple

Often given for appreciation and charm.

Use in a bouquet All flowers
Peak season
Jun–Sep
Vase life
7–14 days
Birth month
—
Colours
5

What the lisianthus means

Lisianthus is native to the prairies of the southern United States and northern Mexico, where the wild form is a simple purple bell. Japanese breeders transformed it during the 20th century into the ruffled, rose-like cut flower florists know today, and it came into wide use too late for the Victorian flower dictionaries. Its meanings are therefore modern: it is often given for gratitude, appreciation, and charm, and its long vase life makes it a practical thank-you flower. Many people mistake the double forms for roses.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

  • Thank you
  • Anniversary
  • Mother's Day
  • Sympathy

By colour

  • Purple Often given for appreciation and charm.
  • White Associated with gratitude; a wedding favorite.
  • Pink Often given for gentle affection.
  • Lavender Associated with grace and admiration.
  • Lime green Associated with freshness and good fortune in modern use.

Keeping it fresh

Available year-round from greenhouses; field-grown stems peak in summer.

  1. 1 Pinch off the smallest green buds; they rarely open and draw water away from the blooms.
  2. 2 Handle gently; the petals crease and bruise easily.
  3. 3 Recut stems and remove leaves below the waterline.
  4. 4 Change the water every few days; with care, buds keep opening for up to two weeks.

Pet safety

  • cats Not listed
  • dogs Not listed
  • horses Not listed

Not listed in the ASPCA plant database. If a pet eats any, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

“Not listed” means the ASPCA has no entry for this plant — not that it is safe. Keep it out of reach.

Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet eats any plant, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Did you know

Lisianthus belongs to the gentian family, named for Gentius, an ancient Illyrian king said to have discovered the medicinal use of gentian root.

Pairs well with

Make your own lisianthus bouquet

Pick a vase, add a card, and share the link — no delivery van, no wilting.

Open Flower Studio