Probably one of the prettiest bulb-looking flowers (but not grown from a bulb) is Lisianthus. A native to the mid-south region of the US, this half-hardy perennial is commonly grown as an annual. Its more common names are the Texas Bluebell and Tulip Gentian while its botanical name is Eustoma Grandiflora.

Lisianthus is part of the Gentianaceae family which covers 70-80 genera and 900-1200 species.

Lisianthus' light green leaves are reminiscent of a succulent's foliage pointing almost upright as it tries to conserve water use. The flowers, on the other hand, look like tulip flowers as they begin to open. In fact, they more closely resemble the Alyogyne that I have growing in my garden.

I first planted this bunch of lisianthus seedlings in another bed but moved them because they were becoming claustrophobic. Having since moved them to another garden bed they have done much better and produced an awesome show of colour.

Lisianthus are extremely easy to grow as a seedling and can be propagated from tip cuttings after flowering has finished. They can be grown as perennial plants but are more akin to being replaced or at least cut back significantly.

Lisianthus can grow well in containers and do very well as an indoor plant provided they are kept on a window-sill. They don't require too much water but enjoy a moist soil more than a dry one.