General Culture: Click for monthly care information.
Biennial that will survive winters in USDA Zones 8-10. In St. Louis, it is grown as an annual. It is easily grown in average, uniformly moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Growing from seed can be rather difficult because the seed is dust particle size and it takes about 5 months from planting to first bloom, all of which basically precludes direct sowing in the ground in spring. If grown from seed, start seed indoors at least 10-12 weeks before last frost date. Set seedlings or purchased plants out after last frost date. Pinch young plants to encourage branching.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Prairie gentian, bluebell gentian or lisianthus is native to prairies and fields from northern Mexico north to Colorado and Nebraska. It is a biennial or annual that grows on erect single to sometimes branching stems rising to 3’ tall. Large gentian-like bell-shaped flowers (to 2” across) with flaring pale purple petal-like lobes bloom in summer from the upper leaf axils. Garden cultivars typically grow 18-30” tall, although some dwarf varieties (to 6-8” tall) are available. Additionally, cultivars offer a broader range of flower colors including various shades of pink, blue-violet and white. Some double-flowered varieties are also available. Ovate to oblong, 3-5 veined, stem-clasping, gray-green leaves (to 3” long). Excellent cut flower. Synonymous with Lisianthus russellianus.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to viruses and stem cankers.
Uses:
Beds, borders, cutting gardens. Dwarf plants do well in pots/containers for patios/decks or as houseplants.
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Garden, 2001-2010
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