Lisianthus
Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) is a pretty perennial usually treated in Florida as an annual bedding or potted plant. The blooms of lisianthus come in shades of white, pink, blue and purple. Double and single-flower varieties provide a wide selection of choices. Lisianthus blossoms make excellent cut flowers, and are popular for wedding bouquets.
Sometimes called prairie gentian, this flowering plant grows to about 15 inches tall, although some dwarf varieties only reach 6 to 8 inches tall. In addition to its showy flowers, lisianthus foliage is an unusual blue-green.
Lisianthus is slow to mature from seed, so the plants are more often purchased and transplanted. Since individual plants fall over as they grow taller, most people plant them in masses. The dwarf varieties are ideal for containers. Lisianthus grows in partial sun with shade in most types of soil, as long as it’s well drained. Once established the plants have good drought tolerance, and are not known to have many pest problems, although fungal diseases can be a problem. Pinch back the plant to encourage branching.