Overview
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis' is a perennial in the genus Gentiana, part of the Gentianaceae family. Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland garden, rock garden and border. It is native to central and eastern Europe.
About
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis' is a summer-flowering perennial in the Gentianaceae, noted for deep blue blooms from June to September. It comes from central and eastern Europe and suits shady, moisture-retentive sites. Plant it in partial shade or shade on humus-rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Rated H5 (hardy), it works well in woodland gardens, rock gardens and borders.
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 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis' is a perennial member of the gentian family originating in central and eastern Europe. It flowers from June to September and is valued where shade and moisture can be provided rather than full sun. In British gardens this timing places its blooms through summer into early autumn. Choose a position in partial shade or full shade and improve the planting hole with plenty of organic matter so the soil becomes humus-rich while remaining well drained. The plant prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions and a consistently moist root run; avoid waterlogged or very dry sites. Its H5 hardiness rating means it is classed as hardy and will tolerate normal UK winter conditions when established. Use it in a woodland-style planting, a shaded rockery or the rear of a border where summer flowering in shade is required; its June–September flowering period makes it a dependable choice for shaded parts of the garden that need seasonal blooms.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gentiana
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- woodland garden, rock garden, border
- Native to
- central and eastern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis'
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered position in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Pruning
- Remove faded flowers to encourage tidy appearance; cut back after flowering if necessary.
- Propagation
- Seed, division in spring or autumn
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis'?
Prefers sheltered position in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Where is the best place to plant Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis'?
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis' prefers partial shade and shade.
What soil does Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis' need?
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis' grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis'?
Remove faded flowers to encourage tidy appearance; cut back after flowering if necessary.
Is Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis' hardy in the UK?
Gentiana asclepiadea 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis' 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 'Phaeina' or 'Celestina' or 'Phyllis'?
Seed, division in spring or autumn.
