Lisianthus

Lisianthus is a lovely plant, producing long-lasting cut flowers. Kept in fresh water, a cutting of lisianthus will reward you with continuous blooms because the flowers last about a week once they open and each stem has several buds. Lisianthus has soft, papery petals that resemble the rose. This plant also prefers full sun.

This creamy yellow plant, which I grew from seed, is in the south garden where it gets our hotter afternoon sun and it seems to thrive. I did move it to a new home this winter even though the roots don't like to be disturbed. The plant was just emerging and I made sure I took a large helping of dirt to make the move less stressful.

I've always found the blue and pink varieties at a local nursery, but no yellows, and that's why I tried to grow it myself last year. It was difficult to grow from seed. Out of a whole packet of yellow lisianthus seeds, I managed to get one to grow. However, it has rewarded me by coming back again this year. It's taller, the flowers are bigger, although they are more creamy than yellow. Again, although listed as an annual, it seems to be a perennial in the warmer climates.