WHAT TYPE OF PLANT IS A "LISIANTHUS"

It is grown from seed. The plant develops seed pods with tiny seeds inside.

The seeds are so tiny that most instructions recommend pre-sprouting them under cover on a dish towel. I can forsee troubles planting them on that way, though. Since they are native to sandy-gravelly soils of the American prairies, I suspect that one way of starting them would be on a bed of grit over a more typical seed starting compost. The seeds would lodge in the crevices between the grit particles, where they would find a friendly microclimate for germination. Potentially lower germination rate, though those that do sprout should be stronger plants, and easier to move. Because it takes so long to develop a plant from seed, most gardeners here opt to plant healthy seedlings, where available.

I have seen Lisianthus for sale as cut flowers but have never seen them growing in this country. Has anyone successfully grown them in the UK? If so I will order some as they are lovely.

Not grown much here, Bryony - now called Eustoma - Lisianthus russellanius is sometimes sold as a potplant for the house, its a short version of the plant. The ones you buy as cut flowers are Eustoma grandiflorum F1 hybrids (so not bee and butterfly friendly) - can be grown as annuals here, they're frost sensitive, rather slow growing.

i love these flowers and always buy them. My daughter in law had them for her bouquet n buttonholes they were grand x