Eustoma grandiflorum, also known as 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 plant that grows on erect single, and sometimes branching, stems reaching up to 3 feet tall. In the summer, large bell-shaped flowers resembling gentians, about 2 inches across, with flaring pale purple petal-like lobes bloom from the upper leaf axils. Garden cultivars typically reach heights of 18-30 inches, although some dwarf varieties, growing to 6-8 inches tall, are also available.
The Carmen Blue Rim cultivar is specifically bred for its high-quality root system and increased disease resistance. Carmen Blue Rim produces numerous medium-sized, long-lasting flowers.
