Eustoma exaltatum
A North American native Gentianaceae perennial in the genus Eustoma, 20–30 inches tall with bell-shaped blue-to-purple-lavender blooms crowning stem tips, blooming June–October in moist sandy to loamy meadows and stream sides across New Mexico and surrounding states, with a broad distribution across the United States, northern and central Mexico, and parts of Central America, and a New Mexico rare subspecies with state rank S3 and global rank G5T5.
Common Names
Lisianthus, Prairie Gentian, Texas Bluebells, Showy Prairie Gentian, Catchfly Prairie Gentian, Marsh Gentian, Tall Prairie-Gentian
Summary
Native to warm regions of the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, the plant is an annual or short‑lived perennial herb with erect stems and opposite, sessile leaves. It bears panicle-like inflorescences of bell-shaped blossoms that are blue-lavender to deep blue or white with five petals, reaching about 15–60 cm tall.
Cultivation requires moist, well‑drained soils, often tolerating alkaline or saline sites; prefers full sun to partial shade with consistent moisture; propagation by seeds or cuttings (seeds may be soaked; cuttings with rooting hormone); flowering typically Mar–Nov; valued as a long‑lasting cut flower and suitable for borders and moisture‑loving landscapes.
Lifecycle
Annual; may be biennial or perennial depending on rainfall during the growing season.
Height
1.5-2.5 feet
Spread
3-5 inches
Hardiness Zones
Zones 8
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally full sun; partial sun acceptable.
Soil Type
Well-draining loamy soil, pH 6.5–7.5
Soil Drainage
Well-drained soil, typically loam or sandy loam; avoid waterlogging.
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Bloom Color
Blue to violet-blue (often violet-blue); occasional white, rose-violet, or pink variations.
Bloom Time
Spring through Fall
Foliage Color
Bluish-green foliage
Fall Foliage Color
Blue-green
Leaf Lifecycle
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Annual, biennial, or perennial, depending on rainfall.
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Propagation Methods
Seeds and Cuttings
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- (L.) Salisb. ex G.Don
- Publication
- Gen. Hist. 4: 211 (1837)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Gentianales
- Family
- Gentianaceae
- Genus
- Eustoma