Overview
Gentiana ligustica is a matforming, trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Gentiana, part of the Gentianaceae family, with semi-evergreen, deciduous foliage. Gentiana ligustica grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, container and border.
About
Gentiana ligustica is a matforming, trailing cultivar within the Gentiana genus, known for its trumpet-shaped blooms. It features semi-evergreen to deciduous foliage and thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring east, south, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for both exposed and sheltered sites, it prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is ideal for rock gardens, containers, or borders. Planting out should occur after the last frost in fertile soil, with division in spring for propagation. It provides winter interest in the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gentiana
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gentiana ligustica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming, Trailing
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen, Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Container, Border
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gentiana ligustica
- 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 ligustica?
Gentiana ligustica prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gentiana ligustica need?
Gentiana ligustica grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Gentiana ligustica hardy in the UK?
Gentiana ligustica 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 ligustica?
Division in spring.
More in the Gentiana genus
- Gentiana acaulis 'Gedanensis'
- Gentiana affinis
- Gentiana albawhitish gentian
- Gentiana andrewsiibottle gentian
- Gentiana bavaricaBavarian gentian
- Gentiana calycosa
- Gentiana depressa
- Gentiana dinaricablue trumpet gentian
