...OF SPRING AND SUMMER...: Floral Media - Flower Agenda - Week 42-45

I'm back with another instalment from The Flower Council of Holland's campaign about cut flowers - it's called Flower Agenda and during the weeks 42-45 - it's the Lisianthus that is featured.

Here is a little bit of information and facts about Lisianthus:

The lisianthus originates from North America, where it grows in riverbeds in the desert and prairie. In the states of Texas, Nebraska, Nevada and Colorado this plant is also called the prairie gentian. Although originally an American beauty, the lisianthus' rise to fame really started in Japan. It was Japanese growers who crossbred the prairie gentian in the 1930s. This resulted in today's lisianthus.

The lisianthus is multifaceted. It comes in white, red, blue, yellow, pink, purple and orange. Some flowers even have petals in multiple colours. Lisianthus petals are not only colourful, but also very soft and delicate.

Trim the stems slightly diagonally. Use a sharp knife for this.
Remove the excess leaves so that there are no leaves in the water.
Place the lisianthus in a clean vase with clean water.
Regularly top up the vase: lisianthus needs a lot of water.
The thin petals mean that the water in the flowers evaporates rapidly, so do not place them in direct sunlight or near other sources of heat. Do not place the lisianthus in a draft or next to the fruit bowl either.

With beautiful, soft petals, Lisianthus is a great flower to display in small bowls or mason jars. The colourful flowers have a striking effect even if when their stems are cut short - just remember to keep the water topped up!

Prior to cultivation the lisianthus is commonly called eustoma, derived from the Greek words, eu, meaning beautiful, and stoma, meaning mouth.

The name lisianthus, which refers to the cultivated flower, comes from the Greek word Iysis, meaning dissolution, and anthos, meaning flower.

Lisianthus is also sometimes referred to as Texas bluebell, prairie gentian and tulip gentian.

With its tubular flower heads and delicate, frilled petals, the lisianthus is the epitome of femininity and romance, making it an ideal wedding flower – and versatile enough for buttonholes, headdresses and table centrepieces.

The lisianthus appears gentle and cute, but it has a powerful symbolism. This flower represents appreciation, gratitude and charisma. Making it the perfect candidate for a gift bouquet.

Lisianthus lasts for about two to three weeks in a vase once cut, lisianthus also make an ideal gift-to-self for the home – or a beautiful addition to a bouquet.