Overview
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' is a perennial in the genus Gentiana, part of the Gentianaceae family. Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland garden, shade garden and borders. It is native to Central and Eastern Europe.
About
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' is a shade-tolerant perennial gentian that flowers from June to September. It originates from Central and Eastern Europe where it favours woodland conditions. In cultivation it performs best in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH. Position it in a sheltered, north- or east-facing spot out of strong sun.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gentiana asclepiadea
About the genus
Gentiana is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the gentian family (Gentianaceae), the tribe Gentianeae, and the monophyletic subtribe Gentianinae. With over 300 species, it is considered a large genus. Gentians are notable for their mostly large trumpet-shaped flowers, which are often of an intense blue hue, though some are also bright yellow.
Wikipedia contributors, "Gentiana", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gentiana
In the garden
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' is a perennial member of the Gentianaceae from Central and Eastern Europe, adapted to the cool, wooded slopes of its native range. In the UK it produces its flowering display from June to September, making it one of the later-flowering shade perennials to use in a woodland or shady border. Plant it where it receives partial shade or full shade, ideally on a north or east aspect and in a sheltered site. The cultivar prefers moist, humus-rich soil that remains well drained; aim for a soil that is acidic to neutral and retains moisture without waterlogging. It is rated H5, so it is classed as hardy and will tolerate typical UK winters when given appropriate shelter from drying winds and late frosts. This gentian suits woodland gardens, shade gardens and the rear of cool borders. Locate it beside other shade-tolerant plants so its summer–early-autumn flowers are visible rather than overwhelmed by taller neighbours. Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' rewards a settled, organic-rich position and is best appreciated on the sheltered, cooler side of a planting scheme where its June–September flowering period provides reliable seasonal interest.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gentiana
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- woodland garden, shade garden, borders
- Native to
- Central and Eastern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes'
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered, shady positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid dry or exposed sites.
- Pruning
- Remove faded flowers to encourage tidy growth; cut back after flowering if necessary.
- Propagation
- Seed, division in spring or autumn
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes'?
Prefers sheltered, shady positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid dry or exposed sites.
Where is the best place to plant Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes'?
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' need?
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and humus-rich. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes'?
Remove faded flowers to encourage tidy growth; cut back after flowering if necessary.
Is Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' hardy in the UK?
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Knightshayes' 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 asclepiadea 'Knightshayes'?
Seed, division in spring or autumn.
