About

Gentiana asclepiadea, the willow gentian, is a herbaceous perennial to 1 m with gracefully arching stems bearing lanceolate, willow-like leaves. In late summer and early autumn, deep-blue, trumpet-shaped flowers 4�5 cm long appear in the upper leaf axils along the length of each stem. One of the most elegant of all gentians for a moist, partly shaded woodland border.

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

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurope to Iran

Care notes

CultivationGrow in light, humus-rich soil that is reliably moist but well-drained; avoid chalky soils. It needs shade from hot sun but in areas with cool, damp summers it can tolerate sun
PruningNo pruning required LJD
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in an open frame as soon as seed is ripe
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free
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