Lisianthus - Summers Darling - Part 1

Today we share an article about Lisianthus recently published in the Produce News by our own Bill Prescott. Next week, we are going to show some gorgeous varietal photos, so you can see what we are harvesting! Have a great week! 

Now through late September is prime Lisianthus time. Lisianthus has an heirloom, wildflower essence making it the darling of summer bouquets and consumer bunches.  “Lizzy” (as we call it on the farm) is relatively new to the flower buying consciousness and in the last decade it has been gaining popularity at an amazing rate.  We have been growing this crop for about fifteen years, and the demand just keeps rising.

The origin of the Lisianthus species is rooted in the Americas, with several variations of the plant growing wild. Most notably a variety of Texas Bluebell found growing naturally in the vast prairies of the American west. The species we grow is named Grandiflorum and it has been bred as an exceptional cut flower. The name comes from Latin, Lysis meaning “dissolution” and Anthos meaning “flower.” Some citing its history as a prairie flower see it as a token of old-fashioned values and sensibility. Others looking at its Greek name suggest that Lisianthus symbolizes an outgoing and divisive nature.

According to flowermeanings.org, Lisianthus is the Sagittarius birth flower and symbolizes:
•    Life long bond between two people
•    Appreciation
•    Traditional Values.

Lizzy is winning the hearts of designers and consumers alike because it is extremely versatile.  It’s origins as a prairie flower make Lisianthus ideal for “country style” arrangements, with a strong American Grown feel. The many blooms per stem can lend an unmanicured feel to any bouquet and add a serious twang.

With a little more direction these same blooms can be formed into dramatic patterns in a contemporary bouquet.  The average length for this crop is 24 inches, so Lizzy can give big height, line and visual power to a modern arrangement.

Personally, I feel the best use Lizzy is in the romantic style. The charming personality of the blooms as they unfurl is just gorgeous and harkens back to another age.  Lisianthus have a very feminine feel. Starting with the buds neatly tucked into a bouquet, then letting a few escape, is reminiscent of a women’s hair put up for a formal affair, allowing a few strands to bend down and frame her face.

Color wise, purple is still the most in-demand color. This is a rich purple that is very saturated.  Sun Valley grows the double bloom varieties, as opposed to the Europeans who still grow the single blooms.  The double blooms have much more color, texture and girth than the single.  Popularity wise, behind the purple, is the white, then followed by pink, rose and some of the bi-colors, as well as green, cream and champagne.

Lisianthus loves the warm days and cool nights of Oxnard Plain, interestingly Lizzy likes the very dry soil of Southern California.  This leads to a perfect growing environment.

Lisianthus is a lovely flower, bursting with personality and its season only runs through early fall, so enjoy this summer flower before it is gone.