About

Gentiana lutea, the great yellow gentian, is a clump-forming perennial with a bold basal rosette of large, ovate, deeply veined, blue-green leaves. In mid to late summer, a tall flowering stem with whorls of clasping leaves produces dense whorls of bright-yellow, star-shaped flowers. The most impressive and architecturally bold of all gentians, and the source of gentian root used in herbal bitters.

About the genus

Gentiana, the gentians, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials producing mostly showy, trumpet-, funnel- or salver-shaped flowers, famously in brilliant blue but also in white, yellow and purple. They range from tiny alpine cushion plants to tall border perennials and include species for every season.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
Native toEurope

Care notes

CultivationGrow in reliably moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade. Thrives in locations with cool, damp summers. Will not tolerate drought or waterlogging
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free