Overview
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana' is a plant with a matforming, trailing, clump forming, tufted habit in the genus Gentiana, part of the Gentianaceae family, with semi evergreen, deciduous foliage. Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden and ground cover.
About
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana' is a mat-forming gentian in the family Gentianaceae that forms low, trailing clumps. It bears trumpet-shaped, deep blue flowers from June to September. The foliage is semi-evergreen and the plant remains in compact tufts. It prefers moist but well-drained loam in full sun or partial shade.
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 'Nana' is a dwarf, mat-forming member of the Gentiana genus (family Gentianaceae) that produces a dense, low habit and a concentrated display of trumpet-shaped, deep blue flowers between June and September. The semi-evergreen leaves hold the plants’ low profile outside the flowering months and help maintain a neat ground cover. Plant into a moist but well-drained loam with an acid to neutral pH and place where it receives full sun or partial shade; south-, east- and west-facing aspects are all suitable. The cultivar tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions and carries a UK hardiness rating of H5 (hardy), so it withstands typical winter conditions in most of the UK. Use Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana' where a low, blue-flowering ground cover is needed: gravel and rock gardens, patio containers, or as a mat beneath taller perennials in cottage and informal beds. Its trailing, clump-forming habit also makes it a practical choice for filling gaps in mixed gravel or stonework. Expect the best floral impact in spots that combine consistent moisture with free drainage, and note the concentrated summer-to-early-autumn blue flowers sit close to the foliage for a strong seasonal band of colour.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gentiana
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Matforming, Trailing, Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen, Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana'
- 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 asclepiadea 'Nana'?
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana' need?
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana' grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana' hardy in the UK?
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Nana' 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 'Nana'?
Division in spring.
