Everything you need to know about

Eustoma | Lisianthus

The popularity of the Lisianthus | Eustoma cut flower continues to grow and grow, but why on wouldn’t it. Not only does the range of more familiar types continually grow, but entirely new looking varieties too are being added all the time. Whether it’s single, double, big blousy new fringed and ruffed varieties, or the wild looking Botanic stems, it really is no exaggeration to say this is a flower for every design, everyone and all occasions.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, you’ll discover new fascinating details that even the most experienced florists may not know. Prepare to

If you’re prepare to be captivated by the allure of the Lisianthus, awestruck by Eustoma let’s continue…

What we'll cover:

General Eustoma | Lisianthus Cut Flower Information

How it looks:

As we’ve suggest above and will continue to share below, the heads of a Eustoma can vary greatly depending on which type they are are. It would seem inconceivable to many people that some of the varieties are both Eustoma russelianum. With such different flowers heads they have many different characteristics. However, what each stem all has in common is multiple flowers on several branchlets that grow together from a single main stem. Stems which are tall and slender with fleshy, oval foliage sparsely growing in pairs. The stems and foliage are smooth and an attractive grey green colour which complements the delicate looking feminine flowers.

Grouping of Eustoma | Lisianthus

Vase of Lisianthus Eustoma exotic pink. Montana Lisianthus.

Eustoma | Lisianthus are divided into two product groups by VBN (the Dutch Flower Auctions Association).

These are:

Eustoma russell. single flowered. Product group no. 1 01 070 01
Eustom russell. double flowered. Product group no. 1 01 070 02

The defining difference between these two groups in the number of petals on each head. A single flower is generally a flower with one set of petals (usually five), whereas a double flowers have multiple petals on a single flower head.

Tell me more about 'Product Groups'

Group codes:
Whilst each flower and plant variety has it’s own product code they are classified into product groups. Each product group has a separate VBN group code. Categorising plants and flowers into groups with similar characteristics, is helpful on many levels; grading criteria and checks, and recording statistical information being just a couple.

As an example:
Gerbera large flowered (grp 10100601) is a different group to Gerbera large flowered spider shaped (grp 10100607). Gerbera mini (grp 10100602) is a different group to Gerbera mini spider shaped (grp 10100608). Whilst each Gerbera group have many similar characteristics, they also have important differences, hence the different product groups.

Just some of the

Eustoma | Lisianthus Varieties

As we’ve established Eustoma | Lisianthus are divided into two groups. ‘Single and Double’, however with the considerable diverse appearance of the ever expanding varieties of Eustoma | Lisianthus the terms ‘Single and Double’ are no longer a reliable description, although still correct (and the only VBN groupings).

In the images below we have shared a selection of popular and distinctly different Eustoma | Lisianthus flowers. Although these represent only a fraction range available.

See Eustoma | Lisianthus in the Webshop

Some example of Single Eustoma | Lisianthus Varieties:

Falda Apricot Eustoma

Bohemian Black Violet Eustoma

Piccolo Green Eustoma

Botanic Lavender Mist Eustoma

Bohemian feminine Eustoma

Falda Salmon Eustoma

Piccolo Violet Eustoma

Botanic green mist Eustoma

Some example of Double Eustoma | Lisianthus Varieties:

Sabrine orange Eustoma Lisianthus

Rosita White Eustoma Lisianthus

Stracciatella lavender Eustoma

Corelli Delft Blue Eustoma Lisianthus

Exotic Pink Eustoma Lisianthus

Excalibur Hot Lips Eustoma Lisianthus

Rosanne Black Pearl Eustoma Lisianthus

Some example of Larger Flower Eustoma | Lisianthus Varieties:

Alissa Champagne Eustoma Lisianthus

Alissa Blue Eustoma Lisianthus

Celeb Madonna Eustoma Lisianthus

Alissa Green Eustoma Lisianthus

Alissa White Eustoma Lisianthus

Celeb Grape Eustoma Lisianthus

Alissa Apricot Eustoma Lisianthus

Celeb Chrystal White Eustoma Lisianthus

Some example of Tinted / Organically Dyed Flower Eustoma | Lisianthus Varieties:

Black Rose Eustoma Lisianthus

Brownies Eustoma Lisianthus

Smokey White Eustoma Lisianthus

Dutch Orange Eustoma Lisianthus

Heavenly Milka Eustoma Lisianthus

Ice Crystal Eustoma Lisianthus

There are currently around 327 different varieties of commercial Eustoma | Lisianthus cut flowers being traded, with 624 having been register to date. Although new varieties are being developed all the time – so expect this number to increase!

It’s also worth noting that this number doesn’t include tinted and dyed varieties, which are increasing in popularity. As well as Montana Lisianthus suppling dyed Eustoma | Lisianthus (some of which are featured above) VIP Roses also sell tinted Eustoma | Lisianthus as seen here.

Classification Names:

Family: Gentianaceae

Genus: Eustoma

Species: Eustoma grandiflorum previously called Eustoma russellianum is the only commercially grown Eustoma with considerable hybridisation

Varieties: With over 327 varieties being traded through Holland and new varieties constantly being added, we can’t possibly name them all, but here are most of the current series of Eustoma | Lisianthus: Alissa, Arena, Aube, Bohemian, Borelis, Botanic, Celeb, Corelli, Croma, Doublini, Echo, Excalibur, Falda, Lisanne, Mariachi, Piccolo, Reina, Robella, Rosanne, Rosita, Sabrina, Vivian, Stracciatella.

Common Names:

Lisianthus – It’s most common name, this is why we’ve referred to this name throughout the info of this page
Lizzies
Prairie gentian
Texas bluebell
Tulip gentian
Rose without thorns
Japanese rose

Pronunciation

Eustoma are pronounced: yoo-stoh-muh

Lisianthus is pronounced: liss-ee-an-thus

Fragrant:

No, commercial Eustoma | Lisianthus varieties are currently not fragrant. Although there does seem to be some developments in this area – so perhaps some varieties will change in the future!

Vase life:

← – 7 – 14 days – →

Available in these Colours:

White (from pure white to Ivory shades)
Pink (blush and pastel shades through to mid and hot pinks and newer raspberry tones)
Purple & Lilac
Peach, Apricot & Salmon tones
Green
Creamy lemon Yellow
Red
Brown & Aubergine, verging on black tones
Bicolours (two colours on the same flower) numerous combinations of different colours edging, striping and flecking through the flowers
There are also a range of Eustoma | Lisianthus that are dyed through drinking organic dyes (we illustrated some above) these gives an even greater range of colours which will likely adapt with colour trends.

Eustoma | Lisianthus availability throughout the year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The vast majority of Eustoma | Lisianthus varieties are available throughout the whole year.

Natural Season:

Eustoma | Lisianthus are considered to be a Summer flower.

Eustoma | Lisianthus originated from:

Where Eustoma Lisianthus originated map.

Lisianthus is native to warm regions of North and Central America, the southern United States, the Caribbean islands, parts of Central America and Southern America.

Florist Information

Product Group Number:

Single Eustoma | Lisianthus: 10107001
Double Eustoma | Lisianthus: 10107002

Current Number of Varieties:

There are currently 327 cut flower varieties of Eustoma | Lisianthus with product codes, enabling them to be traded through the Dutch flower auctions (or directly from growers). However, to date 624 Eustoma | Lisianthus have been registered with PlantScope the comprehensive database of all global floriculture products.

Commercially available from:

The 1980’s becoming more easily available in the 1990’s
(Eustoma russellianum ‘Blue Edge’ was registered 31.08.89)

More about Product Group Number

Group codes:
Whilst each flower and plant variety has it’s own product code they are classified into different product groups. Each product group has a separate VBN group code. Categorising plants and flowers into groups with similar characteristics, is helpful on many levels; grading criteria and checks, and recording statistical information being just a couple.

Shape & Visual texture:

Shape:
Individual heads: Round form
Whole stems: Transitional

More about flower shape

Shape and form are terms that are often used together but have two different meanings. Form is three-dimensional with width, height and depth. Whereas a shape is two-dimensional. As an example a tennis ball (or Craspedia head) have a spherical form, but a round shape.

Whilst most flowers have a three-dimensional form within floristry they are traditionally categorised in three basic ways:

Round – round materials are bold and generally have high visual impact
Line – line materials have directional pull that aids visual movement
Transitional – transitional materials (often called filler flowers) have smaller branching stems or sprays of small flowers. They are used to fill in and act as stepping stones between line and round materials

These are the categories we have used within this section.

Visual texture: Many petals appear smooth and silky, however, some colours e.g. dark purple gives the flowers a velvety appearance.

More about visual texture

Texture is the surface appearance and feel of any object, in our instance a flower or plant material. There are two main categories of texture: Actual texture – the feel of something, and Visual texture – the way it looks. We are focusing our information on the ‘Visual texture’.

The visual texture is when something’s appearance gives the impression of the texture without having to touch it. Whilst there could be many ways of describing a visual texture we have limited ours to: Waxy e.g. Hoya or Cymbidium, Rough e.g. eryngium, Glossy e.g. anthurium, Velvety e.g. celosia, Lacy e.g. Ammi majus, or fluffy e.g. Ageratum houstonianum. Whilst there could be countless descriptions of textures, we have selected these as they are stated in the Professional Floristry Manual Edited by Lynda Owen and published by the British Florist Association.

Florists appreciate the importance of visual texture of flowers and plant materials it adds impact, interest and contrast to a design.

Inflorescences & Stem type:

Inflorescences: Simple Cyme

About Inflorescences

Inflorescence is the categorised way that the flowers are arranged on a main axis/stalk/peduncle, stalk and by the timing of the flowering.

We will state the type of inflorescence from the following groups:

Single Inflorescence:

Single or solitary – single flower on an upright single stem, it can also be called terminal or axillary flower

Indeterminate Inflorescence:
(Monopodial (racemose) growth where the terminal bud can keep growing and the oldest flowers are at the base or outermost part of the flower and the newest at the top, central or innermost.)

Raceme – Flowers are attached to main stem by short stalk e.g. Antirrhinum, Phalaenopsis
Spike (or sometime called Sessile) – flowers are attached without stalks e.g. gladiolus
Spadix – A type of panicle but the flowers are really tightly packed, often surrounded by a spathe (we usually think of the spathe section as the flower and the spike; that actually is multiple tiny flowers, as a less significant part of the overall flower) e.g. anthurium and Zantedeschia
Panicle – highly branched racemes with multiple clusters on several branches e.g. syringa
Simple Umbel – Flower stalks arise from one point on the stem and are the same length e.g. allium
Compound Umbel – collection of simple umbels e.g. Ammi
Corymb – Flattened top with flowers of different stalk lengths e.g. achillea
Capitulum – a flower head composed of many separate unstalked flowers close together e.g. asters, sunflower, single bloom Chrysanthemum. It looks like one flower, but is actually made up of multiple tiny heads together

Determinate Inflorescence:
(Sympodial (Cymose) growth where the terminal bud flowers first and prevents any further bud being developed on the stem. The oldest flowers are at the top, central or innermost and the newest at the bottom, or outermost.)

Simple Cyme – These can be in different forms but all have the characteristic of the oldest flower being in the innermost section of the stem. e.g. spray chrysanthemum, ranunculus stem etc.
Helicoid Cyme – Successive flower heads are developed along one side of a single axis e.g. freesia
Scorpioid Cyme – Successive flower heads are developed from alternate sides of a single axis e.g. Myosotis
Dichasium Cymes (Double cymes) – two flower buds occur in axils of bract behind terminal position
Mixed Inflorescence (A raceme of cymes) – multiple flower buds are developed along multiple flower axils e.g. Euphorbia fulgens (multi stemmed)

Stem type (General): Semi-woody stem

Stem tissue type: Smooth

The effects of these stem types are in the Florist Care Information

About different stem types

Different types of cut flower (and foliage) stems behave differently. Understanding what type of stem the flower has give you a greater appreciation of how best to care care for the flower.

We have divided the flower stems into two categories their:

General stem type, these will include:

Woody – as the name suggests a woody inflexible stem that don’t often die down over winter
Semi woody – these stems are usually quite strong and have a combination of woody and soft fibres to different degrees
Soft & Bulbus stems – usually an annual summer flower or a spring bulb flower with a often with a fleshy stem
Hollow stems – again, as the name suggests a stem with a hollow centre (occasionally a very soft pulp centre) these hollow stems usually entirely fill with water
Latex stems – these stems exude or ‘bleed’ a milky substance call latex. Different plants have different strength of milky latex; some types of plant with this sap are sticky and can be an irritant to people and other flowers

Some flower may fall into two categories, e.g. narcissus and amaryllis are both hollow and a soft bulbus stem type, in these instances we will categorise them in the group that is most important to understand with these examples narcissus will be classes as a soft bulbus stem, whereas the amaryllis will be classes as a hollow stem.

Stem tissue type, these will include:

Different stem tissue types ‘pollute’ water in different ways, having an understanding about these as different stem tissue types means that you can act accordingly, both in their conditioning and continued treatment. This enables you to get the best out of them and importantly, the other flowers around them that could be negatively impacted without the right understanding and care.

Whilst some stem tissue titles may be similar to those above they may be different (and without an understanding of how and why we’re using both terms, may seem contradictorily).

Woody
Hairy
Smooth
Soft
Waxed.

Micro-organism bacteria are attracted to stems to a greater and lesser degrees depending on their stem tissue type. When micro-organisms ‘attack’ and begin decomposing flower stems it can negatively impact the flowers lasting ability and those in the same vase, or in some situations very close by.

Plant type:

Annual

Phototropism:

Cut flower Eustoma | Lisianthus are not mildly phototropic, however, it doesn’t usually cause any problems (like it may with other flowers).

About Tropism

Tropism is a growth response to an environmental stimulus. The direction is determined by the direction from which the stimulus strikes the flower or plant.

Positive = the flower or plant, or a part of it, grows in the direction from which the stimulus originates.
Negative = growth away from the stimulus.

Why is this important?

Flowers can have varying levels of phototropism – where they grow towards a light source. and this can hugely effect the flowers stems and the impact that has on a design.

A familiar example of this maybe sunflower heads facing towards the sun whilst growing, in a field of sunflowers this is an endearing phenomena.
However, if you were to place Gladioli into a design horizontally and the only light source was from above all the ends would turn upwards towards the light source, usually detrimentally impacting the desired look of the design. This happens with a whole range of flowers and is especially noticeable with line forms e.g. Antirrhinum, Matthiola, etc.

Flowers and Plants respond to:

Phototropism

As established this relates to the external stimulus of light

Light = phototropism.
- Stems are positively phototropic.
- Roots are negatively phototropic.
Another phototropic characteristic is when light can effect the colour of flower. This is can be present in some varieties of roses, where the shade of the rose can change during it’s maturity, or the same variety can look a slightly different shade depending on the amount and type of light it receives whilst growing.

Geotropism

Directional growth of a plant as a result of earth’s gravitational forces

Gravity = Geotropism/gravitropism
- Stems are negatively geotropic/gravitropic while
- roots are positively geotropic/gravitropic.

The adaptive value of these tropisms is clear.

Roots growing down and/or away from light are more likely to find the soil, water, and minerals they need.
Stems growing up and toward the light will be able to expose their leaves so that photosynthesis can occur.

Ethylene sensitivity:

Eustoma | Lisianthus is sensitive to Ethylene

Is it poisonous or harmful?

To Humans: Lisianthus is non-toxic and not poisonous to humans if ingested.
To dogs: Lisianthus is not known to be toxic or poisonous to dogs if ingested and generally considered safe around dogs.
To Cats: Lisianthus is also not listed as toxic or poisonous to cats if ingested. It should not cause harm to cats.

Whilst cut Eustoma | Lisianthus will not cause any adverse effect if eaten, they are only grown for decorative purposes and should never be consumed.

Eustoma | Lisianthus (for Import to the UK) are commercially grown in:

The Netherlands, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya

Whilst other countries commercially grow cut flower Eustoma | Lisianthus they are not usually imported into the UK.

A map showing where cut flower Eustoma | Lisianthus that are imported into the UK are commercially grown

About a few Dutch cut flower Eustoma | Lisianthus Growers:

Montana Lisianthus: Grow a wide range of breath-taking Eustoma | Lisianthus, but stand out as they specialise in working with breeders to develop new varieties in their nursery. You can rely on Montana to have specialist varieties that stand out, as well as stunning, quality favourite. Visit their site.

Lugt Lisianthus: A well know name in the world of Eustoma | Lisianthus synonymous with five star reliable quality. They currently grow 32 varieties each a double variety and outstanding. Visit their site.

Sunrise Holland: Exclusively grow the BIG SUN range of Eustoma | Lisianthus. New in 2023 these beautiful supersized flowers have a very full appearance thanks to the multi-layered petals, since April 2024 there are 16 colours available. Visit their site.

Berg Lisianthus: Another well known brand in the Eustoma | Lisianthus world, but is that any wonder as they’ve been growing them since 1989. They currently select 19 varieties to grow to the highest quality. Visit their site.

Kwekerij Waalzicht ‘Lisianthus Premium Selection: Last, but certainly not least, this is our preferred grower for many varieties of Eustoma | Lisianthus. Easily recognisable by their distinctive red and black branding – you know the size of the stems is always going to be impressive, making them a cost efficient purchase. Visit their site.

Useful Brochures & Resources

There is a lot of different brochures, magazines and books created by Lisianthus.nl discover them all here.
Montana Lisianthus also have also created different Eustoma | Lisianthus brochures that can be found here.

Points of Interest

Meaning of the name:

The genus name Eustoma comes from the Greek words “eu” meaning beautiful or well, and “stoma” meaning mouth or opening, referring to the attractive tubular flowers.

The common name lisianthus derives from the Greek words “lysis” meaning dissolution/dissolve/set free or relaxation, and “anthos” meaning flower. It’s been suggest that may essentially means “dissolving flower” or “fading flower”. However, could it be that the name derives from lisianthus flowers give a sense of calm and relaxation? The floriography meaning suggests this too.

Some sources also suggest the name lisianthus comes from the French “lys” meaning lily, and “anthos” for flower, essentially meaning “lily-flower” referring to the native bloom resemble small lilies or tulips.

Language of flowers meaning (Victorian floriography):

Appreciation, gratitude and calming/peaceful feelings.

It’s also suggested that Eustoma | Lisianthus are associated with outgoing characteristics including; charismatic and having an admirable nature.

It’s also sometimes said that the bell-shaped blooms are sometimes said to represent the ringing of joyful celebrations.

Birth & Star sign flower info:

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Different colour Eustoma | Lisianthus flower meanings:

White
- purity
- reverence
- humility
Purple
- admiration
- dignity
- pride
- success
Pink
- appreciation / gratitude
- joy
- youth
- innocence
Lavender & Lilac shades
- womanhood
- grace
- elegance
- refinement

Other fun info:

Breeding of a completely new variety of Eustoma | Lisianthus takes an average of 5 years.
The seeds are so small they’re barely visible to the naked eye, one kilo will contain an impressive 25 million seeds. They are ‘pelleted’, each seed has a casing placed around them for mechanical sowing.
During the growing of commercial Eustoma | Lisianthus carefully selected seedlings are placed into nurseries when they are 12 weeks old.
Lisianthus is known as the “prairie gentian” in its native regions of the southern United States and northern Mexico, however, it grows wild in other areas outside its native range, including Hawaii.
In Japan Eustoma | Lisianthus are considered one of the most important cut flowers after roses and chrysanthemums. Seeds have been commercially available in Japan since 1933 and modern Lisianthus were created in Japan by flower breeders in the 1930s.
In the wild Eustoma | Lisianthus flowers follow a circadian rhythm, closing their petals at night and reopening in the morning sunlight.
The cut flower industry in Colombia was one of the first to successfully commercialize Eustoma | Lisianthus flowers in the 1980s.
As Eustoma | Lisianthus flowers have no discernible fragrance it makes them ideal for people with sensitivity to strong floral scents. What’s more new varieties of Eustoma | Lisianthus have been bred without any pollen, making them perfect for people with strong allergies. Other varieties have little pollen and are generally considered very good for hay fever sufferers.
Eustoma used to be called Lisianthus – this was previously the genus until the scientific name was changed due to it’s reclassification due to improved plant genetics.

Information for florists on

Buying wholesale Eustoma | Lisianthus flowers

Our complete buying guide

The growers share so much information about each stem of Eustoma | Lisianthus that are sold. This mandatory info is crucial to fully appreciate and understand. It explains to the florist, every flower characteristics, the information needed to buy the exact and best products.

We’re going to share this below so you can gain a real understand in the best ways to buy Eustoma | Lisianthus. Ready? Let’s dive in…

Tell me more

The information and characteristics provided about the vast majority of commercial cut flowers is epic!

Product codes: Every flower has it’s very own product code. This code is specific to that flower variety so a Gerbera mini ‘Kimsey’ would have a different product code to a Gerbera mini ‘Bridal Kimsey’ just as a Spray Roses ‘Coral Bubbles’ would have a different code to Spray Roses ‘Orange Bubbles’.

Flower specifications: Each individual product, of the same code, has a set of specific characteristics that will always be present, ensuring they are consistent.

Sort codes:
Whilst every flower of the same variety (and product code) might be the same in many ways, they can still be very different in others.

This is where sort codes come in, it’s vital for florists to understand and fully appreciate these codes.

Sort codes include:

Minimum length of flower stem – generally shortened to ‘length’
Weight (average) in grams
Minimum number of flower buds – generally shortened to ‘bud count’
Stage of maturity – often called ‘ripeness’
Minimum flower diameter – often called ‘head size’
Minimum bud height – often called ‘min head size’

Not every flower will have all these sort codes. For example spray roses will have details of their length, bud count, and maturity.

Group codes:
Whilst each flower and plant has it’s own product code they are classified into product groups. Each product group has a code. Categorising plants and flowers into groups with similar characteristics, is helpful on many levels; grading criteria and checks, and recording statistical information being just a couple.

Colour codes:
To clearly communicate the colour of a product it is assigned colour codes when it is registered (it has to be registered so it can be sold). The colour is established using a colour chart issued by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Each colour is indicated by a code, the RHS colour code of which there are 969 colours (the auctions have corresponding codes to match each of these). However, as these codes are such a detailed way of giving the product it’s colour, the flower auctions also use another colour classification to provide information onto webshops.

What we do: Colour codes are provided to us along with the other data, but even the shortened list is very long. That’s why we’ve created a set of ‘Colours’ where we’ve grouped together flowers colours, this means purple flowers that span across 15 different codes can easily be found all together by using our webshop filter.

Logistic codes:
These codes include information on the number of stems in the bunch, the amount of items per bucket, and the type of packaging etc. We present the essential information that you’ll need in different ways, here’s a good example of why packing type it’s important…

Consider the Kimsey mini Gerbera, these can be sold in:

bunches in a bucket of water
boxes or half a box
diamond packs

You will want to know which way you’re buying them.

Quality Groups:
These indicate if a product is A1, A2, or B1. The only 3 quality ratings. Almost all products ever sold are A1, and this is certainly the case with us at Westflor (however, occasionally you may wish to buy B1 Porta Nova red roses for two-thirds of your red rose coffin spray for example).

Other codes:

Company code: Which shares all the details of the grower

Country codes: These countries are identified by two letters.

Certifications: Showing MPS rating, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, GlobalGap, etc.

Marketing concept codes: This would share information such as ‘Meilland Jardin & Parfum Rose’ or ‘Hypericum Romance Series’.

Post harvest after-treatment: Types of cut flower food used immediately after the flowers have been harvested.

Cultivation method: For example, under glass or outdoors.

Wrapping material: This could share info such as no wrapping, compostable sleeve, cardboard or plastic.

Vase life index: How many days it lasted in tests.

Transaction Characteristics: This includes things like Producer Groups, like: Decorum, Parfum Flower Company, Floral Fundamentals and 365 days of flowers, and more mundane transaction info such as a products Vat rate, weather it’s priced per stem, bunch, etc.

Webshop Product Details

Product selected example

Eustoma lisianthus cut flower selected listing example westflor webshop

Eustoma | Lisianthus page listing example

Eustoma lisianthus cut flower page listing example westflor webshop

Eustoma | Lisianthus sorting description details:

Length (cm)

Available: 65cm, 70cm, 72cm, 75cm very occasionally 80cm

In London we stock: 70cm - 80cm. In Holland we stock: 65cm - 80cm. From Pre-order: 72cm - 80cm

Minimum bud count

Available: 3 - 5+

In London we stock: 5+. In Holland we stock: 3 - 5+. From Pre-order: 3 - 5+

Stage of maturity/ripeness

Available: 1 - 5

In Holland we stock: 1 - 2, 2 - 3, 2- 4, 3 - 4. In London & from Pre-order we don't show this info. but we always select the best maturity for the variety.

Other available information

Maturity: Whilst the stage of maturity or ripeness is mandatory information that must be given by the growers, as we have a limited amount of space to share information on our webshop, coupled with the fact that we always ensure the flowers we sell are exceptionally fresh, we don’t always share this is information.

Maturity or Ripeness:

Eustoma | Lisianthus are sorted by maturity or ripeness as shown in the example(s) below.

One represents the most closed the flower can be sold by the grower and five represents the most open it can be sold by the grower.

Double Eustoma Lisianthus maturity sorting example.

Single Eustoma Lisianthus maturity sorting example.

1 = 10% – 20% of open buds
2 = 20% – 40% of open buds
3 = 40% – 60% of open buds
4 = 60% – 90% of open buds
5 = 90% – 100% of open buds

Whilst regulations dictates flowers can be sold in stages 1 – 5 in reality flowers are often unavailable in all maturity or ripeness stages (it’s just not practical or beneficial).

More information on maturity/ripeness codes:

Flower maturity or ripeness can be shown in different ways.

One number repeated: When one number is repeated it indicates all the flowers are of that maturity. This number can be shown with or without a hyphen e.g. 3-3 or 33

Different numbers shown: When the numbers are different it indicates flowers in that bunch have a maturity range of between the lowest to the highest number. e.g. 2-3 or 23. It is very unusual that flowers are ever sold as a complete maturity mixed bunch, but it is technically possible, this would be represented as 1 – 5 or 15.

Why it’s important to know and use this information: Knowing this information can be very helpful to florists.

For example a florist may welcome buying a more mature rose of 4 if they need to create a flower wall or large archway for a wedding, or similarly, if they are creating a coffin spray of roses for a funeral.

However, if they are looking to buy roses for stock, or general gift work, they are likely to want 2 or 3 maturity flowers.

Some roses are only ever sold from maturity 3, this includes all Meijer roses and the vast majority of Porta Nova roses – they’re naturally a large head that opens beautifully, they don’t sell it when it’s very closed (unless they’re sending it to a country that takes over 24 hours for the transport to arrive. In this instance, as they are transported in water, they leave the growers at stage 2 and arrive at stage 3!).

Cut flower Eustoma | Lisianthus care guides

We’ll cover all the care information for florists and for enjoying Eustoma | Lisianthus at home. The expert information we share will ensure you get the very best out of your cut Eustoma | Lisianthus.

FLORIST CARE INFORMATION
CUSTOMER CARE INFORMATION

Florists care and conditioning advice

Special care considerations for Lisianthus | Eustoma:

Besides all the usual cut flower conditioning and care good practices (which are led out in the ‘Consumer / at home care information section) the points below are specific to Eustoma | Lisianthus cut flower care.

Good air flower is important to Eustoma | Lisianthus to stop any dampening or botrytis. Therefore don’t over crowd them or ‘pack’ them in with other flowers and do not leave them in plastic sleeves for extended periods of time.
Cut flower food is important and will help the buds to fully open, reduce bacteria build up in the water, avoid premature wilting
Some varieties are ethylene sensitive avoid ethylene exposure as this will result in premature wilting and prevent flowers opening.
Studies report that wet storage improves vase life and bud development, therefore Eustoma | Lisianthus will suffer from considerable extended time (days) out of water.

Best flower food:

Whilst in stock: Chrysal professional 2
For aqua pack, vases, foam soaking prior to delivery: Chrysal pro 2 or pro 3
Sachet to send to with flowers: Universal clear | Chrysal bio based compostable or paper sachets

Cut flower food:

Shop cut flower food

Stem type effect:

Stem type: Semi-woody
Effect: Stem sections can break with careless handling

Stem tissue type: Smooth
Water polluting level: Low

Optimal temperature:

Cooler storage temperature: 34 – 38° F
Consumer display temperature: whilst cooler is better Eustoma | Lisianthus will cope with 38 – 59° F

Caring for flowers at home

Step by step guide

Select a suitable vase for the flowers:
- Usually the minimum vase size should be at least 1 litre
- Where possible avoid antique crystal, metal or porous vases, or use a plastic inner container to line the vase
Clean your vase thoroughly, if you feel it is clean still rinse it out or brush or wipe the inside
Use fresh tap water and add the correct quantity of cut flower food for the amount of water you use. Mix the cut flower food into the water
Remove all leaves that would go below the water level (leaving the stems as clean as possible)
Avoid damaging the stems
Cut at least 4cm off the end of the flower (and foliage) stems at a 45° angle with a sharp clean knife or secateurs. The aim is to get a clean cut that doesn’t crush and damage the stem (which scissors can sometimes do). Dirty tools can pass bacteria to the fresh cut
Place the freshly cut materials directly into water – do not leave them on the side to ‘breath air’
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, draughts and excessive airflow, heat, ripening fruit, and smoke
Keep a close eye on the water:
- Ensure all stems are still below the water level
- Top up the water (or change it) if it falls below 1/3 or the initial volume
- Change the water if it becomes visibly dirty; cloudy, discoloured, including sediment at the bottom of the vase, or if smells bad (micro-organisms in the water cause these issues).
- When using professional cut flower food the water will rarely need changing before 3, 4 or more days, in most cases you can simply top the water up with more of the cut flower food solution. However, some types of flower stems and warmer weather or locations, cause result in the water needing to be changed sooner.
When changing the water, rinse clean the vase, add more cut flower food solution recut the flower stems
If you do not have (and can not get) cut flower food, change the water more frequently, ideally every other day and recut the stems each time
Ensure flowers are not overly crowded
Remove any fading flowers promptly