About

A clump-forming perennial to 80cm high, with upright to arching stems bearing lance-shaped intense green leaves with heavily impressed veins. Upright, trumpet-shaped white flowers, sometimes tinted or speckled with green, are produced in the upper leaf axils in late summer and early autumn.

About the genus

Gentiana can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly with showy, trumpet or salver-shaped flowers

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow

Care notes

CultivationGrow in reliably moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid or neutral soil. In areas with warm, dry summers these plants are best grown in light or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust and a virus