Overview
Gentiana affinis is a matforming, trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Gentiana, part of the Gentianaceae family, with semi-evergreen, deciduous foliage. Gentiana affinis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, container and border.
About
Gentiana affinis is a species of flowering plant in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to western and central North America, ranging from southwestern Canada to the western and central United States. It is commonly known as the prairie gentian or pleated gentian. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for rock garden, container and border. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gentiana affinis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gentiana
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gentiana affinis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming, Trailing
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen, Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Container, Border
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gentiana affinis
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Rust, Stem rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gentiana affinis?
Gentiana affinis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gentiana affinis need?
Gentiana affinis grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Gentiana affinis hardy in the UK?
Gentiana affinis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Gentiana affinis?
Division in spring.
More in the Gentiana genus
- Gentiana acaulis 'Gedanensis'
- Gentiana albawhitish gentian
- Gentiana andrewsiibottle gentian
- Gentiana bavaricaBavarian gentian
- Gentiana calycosa
- Gentiana depressa
- Gentiana dinaricablue trumpet gentian
- Gentiana froelichii
