About
Gentiana acaulis, the stemless gentian, is a mat-forming evergreen perennial growing to 30 cm wide with paired, narrowly elliptic leaves and large, solitary, deep-blue, trumpet-shaped flowers 6 cm long, spotted green inside, on short erect stalks in spring. One of the most intensely coloured of all alpine plants, and a classic of the rock garden.
About the genus
Gentiana, the gentians, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials producing mostly showy, trumpet-, funnel- or salver-shaped flowers, famously in brilliant blue but also in white, yellow and purple. They range from tiny alpine cushion plants to tall border perennials and include species for every season.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Suitable for a rock garden
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division of offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids
Disease resistanceProne to root rot