Best Blue and Purple Lisianthus Varieties to Grow from Seeds
Blue and purple lisianthus are among the most coveted cut flowers in the floral world. True blue flowers are rare in nature, and lisianthus delivers some of the most stunning blue, lavender, and purple tones available in any cut flower. Whether you're after a deep, inky blue picotee, a soft silvery lavender, or a rich royal purple, there's a variety in our lineup perfectly suited to your garden or flower farm.
At Trailing Petunia, we carry one of the most extensive selections of blue, purple, and lavender lisianthus seeds available — all as premium pelleted seeds for easier sowing and better germination. Here are our top 8 varieties ranked by sales. Browse our full Trailing Petunia Collections to see everything we grow.
Why Grow Blue and Purple Lisianthus?
True blue flowers are extraordinarily rare in the plant kingdom — which is exactly why blue lisianthus commands premium prices at florists and farmers markets. Purple and lavender lisianthus are equally prized for their ability to add depth, drama, and sophistication to any arrangement. These cool-toned varieties pair beautifully with white, cream, blush, and silver foliage — making them a staple for wedding floristry and high-end event work.
If you're growing for commercial production, blue and purple lisianthus are also smart business choices. Their rarity and visual impact mean customers are willing to pay more — and they photograph exceptionally well for social media and marketing. For more on maximizing your lisianthus production, read our guide on Lisianthus High Tunnel vs. Field Production: Which Is Right for Your Farm.
1. Rosita Blue Picotee — Our Best Seller
The Lisianthus Rosita Blue Picotee is our top-selling blue/purple lisianthus by a significant margin — and one of our best-selling lisianthus varieties overall. This stunning variety features white blooms edged in vivid blue-violet, creating a picotee effect that's absolutely breathtaking in bouquets. The contrast between the white center and blue edges makes every bloom look hand-painted. Available in packs from 25 to 100 pelleted seeds.
Best for: Wedding floristry, premium bouquets, farmers markets, social media-worthy arrangements
Stem length: 20–28 inches
Bloom type: Double, white with blue-violet picotee edges
2. Rosita Lavender — The Soft Romantic
The Lisianthus Rosita Lavender is our second best-selling variety in this color family. Rosita Lavender produces fully double blooms in a soft, dreamy lavender — the kind of color that makes arrangements look effortlessly romantic. It's a versatile variety that pairs beautifully with white, blush, and deep purple flowers alike. Available in packs from 25 to 100 seeds.
Best for: Romantic arrangements, wedding floristry, mixed bouquets
Stem length: 20–28 inches
Bloom type: Fully double, soft lavender
3. Celeb 2 Turn Blue — The Dramatic Statement
The Lisianthus Celeb 2 Turn Blue is one of the most visually striking lisianthus varieties we carry. Turn Blue produces blooms that transition from white to a deep blue-purple as they mature — creating a bicolor effect that's unique in the lisianthus world. Part of the professional-grade Celeb 2 series, it delivers the exceptional stem strength and uniformity the line is known for.
Best for: Statement arrangements, specialty floristry, unique bouquet focal points
Stem length: 24–32 inches
Bloom type: Fully double, white-to-blue-purple bicolor
4. Echo Purple — The Rich Classic
The Lisianthus Echo Purple is a proven workhorse variety that delivers rich, saturated purple blooms season after season. Echo Purple has a deep, jewel-toned purple that photographs beautifully and holds its color through the full vase life. Available in packs from 25 to 250 seeds — making it a top choice for commercial growers. The Echo series is known for its reliability and consistent performance.
Best for: Commercial production, high-volume growing, bold purple arrangements
Stem length: 20–28 inches
Bloom type: Double, rich jewel-toned purple
5. Blue Chateau — The True Blue
The Lisianthus Blue Chateau is one of the closest things to a true blue lisianthus you'll find. Blue Chateau produces medium-sized double blooms in a cool, clear blue — not lavender, not blue-purple, but genuinely blue. If you're a florist or grower who needs a true blue cut flower, this is your variety. It's a specialty pick that commands attention and premium pricing.
Best for: True blue arrangements, specialty floristry, premium pricing markets
Stem length: 18–26 inches
Bloom type: Double, clear true blue
6. Arena 3 Blue Picotee — The Bold Picotee
The Lisianthus Arena 3 Blue Picotee is a stunning picotee variety from the Arena 3 series — known for its large bloom size and long stems. Arena 3 Blue Picotee features white petals with bold blue-violet edges that are even more pronounced than the Rosita Blue Picotee — making it a dramatic, high-impact choice for statement arrangements and event floristry.
Best for: Statement arrangements, event floristry, high-impact bouquets
Stem length: 24–32 inches
Bloom type: Fully double, large blooms, bold blue picotee edges
7. Corelli Sugoi Lavender Ice — The Premium Lavender
The Lisianthus Corelli Sugoi Lavender Ice is part of the elite Japanese-bred Corelli Sugoi series — known for extra-large blooms and exceptional stem length. Lavender Ice delivers a cool, icy lavender with a slightly silvery quality that's absolutely ethereal in arrangements. If you want a lavender lisianthus that looks like it belongs in a luxury floral studio, this is it.
Best for: Luxury floristry, bridal work, high-end events
Stem length: 28–36 inches
Bloom type: Fully double, extra-large, icy silvery lavender
8. Arosa Silver Lavender — The Sophisticated Neutral
The Lisianthus Arosa Silver Lavender rounds out our top 8 with a uniquely sophisticated silvery-lavender tone that sits between lavender and grey — a true neutral that works with virtually any color palette. Arosa Silver Lavender is a florist's secret weapon: it adds depth and sophistication without competing with other flowers in an arrangement.
Best for: Mixed arrangements, neutral palettes, sophisticated bouquets, versatile production
Stem length: 20–28 inches
Bloom type: Double, silvery-lavender neutral tone
Shop Our Blue, Purple & Lavender Lisianthus Collection
All eight varieties are available now as premium pelleted seeds. Browse the full selection below:
Need larger quantities? Visit our Bulk Seeds Sister Site for bulk lisianthus seed options.
How to Grow Blue and Purple Lisianthus from Seed
Lisianthus is one of the most rewarding cut flowers to grow from seed — but it requires patience and the right conditions. Here's a quick-start guide:
- Start indoors: 20–24 weeks before your last frost date.
- Germination temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C). Use a heat mat.
- Light: 16 hours of light per day during germination. Grow lights are essential.
- Sowing depth: Surface sow — do not cover pelleted seeds. Press gently into moist media.
- Germination time: 10–21 days. Be patient.
- Transplant: When seedlings have 2–3 true leaves. Handle roots gently.
- Outdoor planting: After last frost, when nighttime temps stay above 50°F (10°C).
- Bloom time: Approximately 5–6 months from seed to first bloom.
For a complete deep-dive, read our guide: Growing Lisianthus From Seeds.
Also check out Grow Elegance from Seed: Why Lisianthus Echo Mix Belongs in Your Garden for more variety inspiration.
And for companion planting ideas, don't miss Growing a Stunning Garden with Echinacea, Lisianthus, Cyclamen, and Daisy Seeds.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Blue and Purple Lisianthus
Is there a truly blue lisianthus?
Yes — Blue Chateau is one of the closest varieties to a true blue lisianthus available. Most "blue" lisianthus varieties lean toward blue-violet or lavender, but Blue Chateau produces a genuinely cool, clear blue bloom that stands apart from the rest.
What is a picotee lisianthus?
A picotee lisianthus has petals that are one color in the center with a contrasting color along the edges. Rosita Blue Picotee and Arena 3 Blue Picotee both feature white petals edged in vivid blue-violet — creating a hand-painted effect that's highly prized in floristry.
How long do blue and purple lisianthus last in a vase?
Blue and purple lisianthus typically last 10–14 days in a vase when properly conditioned. Cut stems at an angle, remove foliage below the waterline, and change the water every 2–3 days for maximum vase life.
What is the difference between Rosita Blue Picotee and Arena 3 Blue Picotee?
Both are white-with-blue-picotee varieties, but Arena 3 Blue Picotee has larger blooms and longer stems — making it the more dramatic, high-impact choice. Rosita Blue Picotee is slightly more compact with a softer picotee edge. Both are stunning; Arena 3 is the statement maker, Rosita is the elegant classic.
What is the difference between lavender and blue lisianthus?
Lavender lisianthus (like Rosita Lavender and Corelli Sugoi Lavender Ice) has warm, purple-pink undertones — closer to a soft purple. Blue lisianthus (like Blue Chateau and Celeb 2 Turn Blue) has cool, true-blue or blue-violet tones. Arosa Silver Lavender sits in between — a silvery neutral that reads as neither warm nor cool.
What flowers pair well with blue and purple lisianthus?
Blue and purple lisianthus pair beautifully with white ranunculus, cream roses, silver dusty miller, and eucalyptus for soft, romantic arrangements. For bolder designs, pair with deep burgundy dahlias, blush peonies, or yellow sunflowers for striking complementary contrast.
Can blue and purple lisianthus be grown in containers?
Yes — compact varieties like Echo Purple perform well in deep containers (at least 12 inches). Taller varieties like Corelli Sugoi Lavender Ice and Arena 3 Blue Picotee are better suited to garden beds due to their long stems. All varieties need full sun and well-draining soil.
What makes Celeb 2 Turn Blue unique?
Celeb 2 Turn Blue is a bicolor variety — the blooms open white and gradually develop blue-purple tones as they mature. This color transition means you get different looks from the same stem over its vase life, making it a uniquely dynamic cut flower that's unlike any other lisianthus variety.