What is the difference between Chinese bellflower and Eustoma, and are their flower meanings the same?

The world is so big that nothing is too strange, people can look alike, let alone the flowers, grasses and trees of nature. Among them, Eustoma and Chinese bellflower are most often mistaken by flower lovers for the same kind of flower. The main reason is that the names of these two flowers are similar, and at a glance the flower shapes also feel similar, so they are easily mistaken for the same flower.

So in the flower market, how can they be better distinguished? Let's take a look together below.

Even though their names are similar, in fact their families and genera are completely different. Among them, Eustoma belongs to the Gentianaceae family, while Chinese bellflower belongs to the Campanulaceae family. Looking at the flower shape and leaves, Eustoma is funnel-shaped, with ovate leaves, and flower colors of red, purple, white, yellow, etc. Compared with Chinese bellflower, its flower shape is bell-shaped, and its leaves are elliptical to obovate-lanceolate; usually the outer petals and inner petals are different in color, and the flower colors are mostly purple, blue and white.

If distinguished by flowering period, the full bloom period of Eustoma is from April to May, while the flowering period of Chinese bellflower is 3 months later than that of Eustoma, with the full bloom period from July to September. In terms of distribution, Chinese bellflower is mostly produced in China, while Eustoma is produced overseas between the southern United States and Mexico.

Besides distinguishing by flowering period and flower morphology, everyone can also distinguish them by growth habits. Generally speaking, Chinese bellflower likes a cool climate and has good cold tolerance, while by comparison Eustoma likes a relatively warm and humid climate, so its requirements for water and light are stricter than those of Chinese bellflower.

In addition, they can also be distinguished by their different flower meanings. Among them, Eustoma symbolizes steadfast love, because its petals are single-layered and its colors are varied, making people think of mutual love as pure and unique. Its flower meaning is that perhaps love will never disappear, which is very romantic.

Compared with Chinese bellflower, its flower meaning is the opposite, symbolizing desperate love. Although Chinese bellflower has many flower colors after blooming, the beautiful scene cannot last, and reality is always disappointing; its flower meaning is being unable to grasp beautiful love.