Like all true classics, bouquets of roses are appropriate and relevant for any occasion. But when you want to go for something unconventional and bring a touch of mystique to the classic image, eustomas, also called lisianthuses, appear on the stage as a valid choice. They look like roses, but not so defiantly magnificent. In our previous articles, we have already talked about other plants native to the southern countries of North America. Today, let us explore a few interesting facts about the plant, which is among the top ten flowers grown in the Netherlands for the cut.
Daughters of the American prairies — the exquisite eustomas
Eustoma, commonly known as lisianthus or prairie gentian, is a small genus in the gentian family.
They are native to warm regions of the southern United States, Mexico, Caribbean, and northern South America.
Wikipedia
The history of the lisianthus, or the eustoma, is actually not very long: it only dates back to the 19th century. Its homeland is the southern countries of North America. In 1806, Richard Anthony Salisbury, an English botanist, was the first to discover, name, and codify this flower. Currently, the wild-growing eustoma is becoming an endangered plant in America; many of its species are in Red Book. Nevertheless, in recent decades, eustomas have become popular in Europe. Descendants of the American prairies, they attracted the attention of Japanese breeders in the 1980s, who turned the blue Indian Campanula cultivar into a delicate and exquisite rival to the rose.
Floriculture recognizes the tall and the short variety of eustomas, with shorter plants being great to cultivate indoors or on balconies, and taller ones typically used in gardens, and for cutting. Its leaves are distinctly grey s if covered with wax. Their delicate petals are accentuated against the gray background, radiating charm and mystery. Its blooms are large, funnel-shaped, and varied in color. In a larger eustoma, the bloom can reach 2.7–3.14 inches in diameter. The taller varieties have a stronger stem, up to 35.4 inches in the center, that branches out profusely, making the flowering plant resemble a whole bouquet, with up to 30–40 flower buds on a single stem.
Their look exquisite, their origin legendary
Native Americans have a legend about the origin of the eustoma. Once, the spirit of War fell in love with a lovely daughter of the Great Leader. He desired to marry her, but the young girl, knowing the blood-thirsty nature of the spirit, rejected him. And then the angry spirit took her life. The next day, the tribesmen discovered a delicate flower of the color of the clear sky at the place of her death. In local folklore, the eustoma symbolizes the innocence of a departed soul. To this day, a custom survives among Mexican people to associate the flowering of eustomas with the arrival of spring.
Notably, Mexican people use white lisianthuses in wedding ceremonies, and blooms of darker shades are used in funeral rites. In the US and the UK, the plant is also called the gentian tulip, the love rose, and the Irish rose, despite having nothing to do with Ireland — or indeed with roses.
In our research into the eustoma, we stumbled on a cute fairy tale. “Once upon a time, there was a princess. She was very fond of flowers. Even though there were many beautiful flowers in the royal park, the princess wished for an extraordinary flower to appear. The best varieties of roses, lilies, and azaleas bloomed in turns and delighted the palace visitors. Still, she desired a flower that resembled a rose, a peony, and possibly a tulip.
The king called a council, and everyone racked their brains on what they could do to please his beloved daughter. Eventually, from the Japanese ambassador, she received a bouquet of never-before-seen flowers: they looked like roses and tulips, and poppies and carnations, all at the same time. Since then, these wonderful vivid flowers — the mysterious and exquisite eustomas or lisianthuses — have forever taken their honorable place in the king’s garden.”
The unique allure of the rival to the rose
The definition “the brightest of the plants” can apply literally to the eustoma due to its incredible color. Its petals are very delicate as if woven from satin silk. Its distinctive features are a wide variety of colors and a terry-like texture. There are at least 30 known and cultivated eustoma varieties within the classic definition: white and classic tea shades, reds, pinks, purples, blues, oranges, and rarer yellow petal colors.
Their massive stems are comparable to those of carnations, and they shoot out branches from center length. That is why, during the flowering period, a single sprig of eustoma looks like a whole bunch of blooms! Moreover, the buds open one by one. When the eustoma discloses fully, it starts to resemble an arrangement of poppies. At the same time, despite frequent comparisons with other flowers, the plant still retains its uniqueness and attractiveness, striking a chord in anybody.
What’s in a name, Your Grace?
We already know that the flower has two names, but what do they actually mean? “Eustoma” is Greek, and means “a beautiful mouth” or “to speak beautifully.” “Lisianthus,” on the other hand, is Latin, and means “a bitter flower.” Rather appropriate, as the plant contains various bitter substances, which is why, historically, people used it as medicine.
In addition to the official names, the flower has many others. In each country, it was called in its own way: the Irish, Japanese, or French rose, mountain rose, rose of love, etc. However, the eustoma belongs to the Gentianaceae family and, despite its buds being very similar to rosebuds in appearance and often called a rose or a Texas bell, has no relation with actual roses.
Since not too long ago, lisianthuses have become very popular with florists. This is not surprising, since they can lend a particular charm to any arrangement; as such, a bridal bouquet with eustomas is the embodiment of tenderness and romance that will make the image of a young girl tremendously gracious.
With or without eustomas, if you wish to impress and surprise your loved ones:
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Born in Nalchik in 1966, graduated with a major in English Lit, and working as a school teacher since 1990. My interests are diverse: music, good literature, and computer technology at the user level. I like to try new things, and I bring what I started to its logical conclusion. Oh! And I do love my pets! I’m already 54 and I still believe in miracles and hobbits with elves and Gandalf. I myself am a bit of an adventuress like a hobbit, and I love mushrooms, too, like they do.