Lisianthus (prairie gentian) Eustoma russellianum
Lisianthus (prairie gentian) (Eustoma russellianum) is an annual flowering plant in the Gentianaceae family, native to Grasslands of the southern USA, Mexico and the Caribbean. It grows 40–90 cm (16–35 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Lisianthus (prairie gentian) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Mature height | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 19–24 weeks after planting, for 5–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 170 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Grasslands of the southern USA, Mexico and the Caribbean |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Lisianthus (prairie gentian) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lisianthus (prairie gentian)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Lisianthus (prairie gentian)
- How far apart should I plant Lisianthus (prairie gentian)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Lisianthus (prairie gentian) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lisianthus (prairie gentian) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Lisianthus (prairie gentian)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Lisianthus (prairie gentian) flower?
- About 19–24 weeks after planting, for 5–9 weeks.
- Is Lisianthus (prairie gentian) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Lisianthus (prairie gentian)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lisianthus (prairie gentian). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- A half-hardy annual in cool climates: sow under glass in spring and plant out after the last frost.
- A cutting-patch flower: picking the stems often keeps new ones coming.
- Slow: sow in winter, or buy plug plants. Rose-like double forms bred in Japan made this a world cut flower, lasting two weeks in a vase; usually grown under cover in cool countries.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Stemless gentian Gentiana acaulis
- Tembusu Cyrtophyllum fragrans
- Spring gentian Gentiana verna
- Autumn gentian (Chinese gentian) Gentiana sino-ornata
- Great yellow gentian Gentiana lutea
- Willow gentian Gentiana asclepiadea
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula