Common name: Prairie Gentian, Lisianthus
Family: Gentianaceae, Gentian
Height x width: 18-24’ x 6-12"
Growth rate: slow
Foliage: fleshy, ovate to oblong, 3- to 5-veined, glaucous blue-green, to 3" long; borne on upright, erect single-stems or sparsely branched
Flowers: summer, broad bell- or cup-shaped, dark centered, to 2" across, generally purple but occasionally white or pink/rose; buds unfurl as flowers open, on long stalks or in clusters
Hardiness: annual
Soil: loamy, well-drained, neutral to alkaline
Light: sun
Pests and Problems: viruses, gray mold, stem cankers, Fusarium wilt; may wilt if too hot
Landscape habit, uses: potted plant, containers, massed, cut flowers
Other interest: native to prairies of Americas; genus name from Greek words for "good" and "mouth" referring to attractive corolla throat; became popular with cultivars developed in 1980’s on.
Other culture: slender stems may need staking; taproot resents disturbance
Propagation: sow seed in cool 55-60F, slow to germinate
Cultivars: those market * are more commonly seen
| Cultivar | flowers | height, in. |
| ‘Aloha Deep Red’ | red, branched | 24 |
| ‘Double Eagle Mix’ | mix, double | 18-24 |
| *Echo Hybrids | various, double, large | 18-24 |
| Flamenco Hybrids | various, later than Heidi | 18-24 |
| *Heidi Hybrids | various | 18 |
| Lisa Hybrids | blue or white | 8 |
| *Mermaid Hybrids | blue, light or dark centers | 6 |
| *Yodel Hybrids | various, dark centers | 16-18 |
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course | PSS123 course