About

A clump-forming perennial to around 30cm high, with upright to arching stems and lance-shaped green leaves. Upright, tubular pale sky blue flowers are produced in early to mid summer.

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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Alpine Rockery
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in reliably moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid or neutral soil. Site in sun where summers are cool and damp; 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, and to aphids and red spider mite when grown under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust, and to stem rot caused by soil fungus