Lisianthus – ABC Rose Rim

Lisianthus ‘ABC Rose Rim’ is a premium, rose-like cut flower known for its soft pink petals edged with a delicate violet rim. A top choice among florists, it thrives in tunnels or sunny, protected beds and rewards growers with strong stems, elegant blooms, and an excellent vase life.

1. Best Growing Conditions

✅ Climate:
Prefers mild summers and cool nights.
Performs best in the Western Cape, Gauteng, highland KwaZulu-Natal, and cooler parts of the Eastern Cape.
Can be grown under cover (tunnels or greenhouses) in hotter areas.

✅ Sunlight:
Full sun to light afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Needs at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

✅ Soil Requirements:
Loose, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
pH: 6.5–7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline).
Avoid compacted or overly wet soil.

2. Planting Lisianthus Plugs

✅ Best Planting Time:
Late winter to early spring for tunnel planting.
Spring to early summer for open-ground beds (after the risk of frost).

✅ Depth & Spacing:
Plant plugs at the same depth as the rootball.
Space 15–20 cm apart for strong stems and good air circulation.
For cut flower beds: plant slightly closer to encourage upright growth.

✅ Container Growing:
Use deep pots with excellent drainage.
Ideal for sheltered patios or small-scale cutting gardens.

3. Watering & Care

✅ Watering:
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves—Lisianthus is prone to rot.

✅ Fertilizing:
At planting: Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 3:1:5 or 2:3:2).
Once buds appear: switch to a potassium-rich liquid feed every 2–3 weeks to support flowering.

✅ Mulching:
Apply a thin mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds—avoid touching the plant base.

4. Flowering & Maintenance

✅ Bloom Time:
Flowers in mid to late summer, depending on planting time.
Each stem produces multiple blooms that last up to 2 weeks in a vase.

✅ Post-Flowering Care:
Remove spent blooms to encourage more buds.
After flowering finishes, reduce feeding and allow plants to slow down.

✅ Support & Netting:
Tall stems benefit from horizontal netting or light staking, especially in windy areas.

5. Pests & Diseases

✅ Common Pests:
Aphids & whitefly – Manage with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Thrips – Especially important to monitor in tunnels.

✅ Disease Issues:
Root & stem rot – Avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage.
Botrytis – Improve airflow and remove any dead plant material.

6. Propagation

✅ By Seed (Commercial):
Usually propagated from seed by professionals due to long germination and strict temperature needs.

✅ By Cutting (Rare):
Lisianthus doesn’t easily root from cuttings—seeds remain the primary method.

7. Companion Planting

Pairs beautifully with Snapdragons, Delphiniums, Statice, Dusty Miller, and soft ornamental grasses.
Ideal for tunnel production, cutting gardens, event gardens, or pastel-themed borders.

Conclusion

Lisianthus ‘ABC Rose Rim’ is a show-stopping, rose-like bloom with superb vase life, strong stems, and painterly colour. With proper care, full sun, and consistent watering, it performs beautifully in South African climates—especially when grown in tunnels or well-prepared beds. A florist favourite and a grower’s delight!