Australia: Lisianthus the Flowers Victoria flower of the month

In December last year FV — the association representing Victoria’s cut flower growers — initiated a flower of the month campaign to raise awareness for the different varieties grown locally in Victoria and raise public awareness about asking for, and supporting locally grown fresh flowers from their local florist.

Often mistaken for a peony rose (last month’s flower), the delicate ballerina-like flower heads of the lisianthus bloom are more robust than they appear and have an extended vase life as a cut flower, lasting 2-3 weeks if maintained effectively.

In the 1970s, Japanese seed breeding companies first produced open-pollinated varieties of lisianthus and in 1982 the first F1 varieties were released.

In 1996 the first 100 per cent double variety was made available on the international market.

The American, European and Japanese markets have been dominated with the single varieties, unlike Australia where consumers demand the double flowered varieties as they resemble roses.

All lisianthus plants are raised from seed that originates from Japan, Netherlands, Denmark and South America, with Japan being one of the bigger breeders.

The most popular colour is white (for weddings) light pinks are currently “trending” and in high demand.

Also popular are the picotee varieties which appear colour dipped with split colours in white and purple and white and pink.

Click here to read the complete article at www.weeklytimes.com.au.