Overview
Gentiana lutea is a matforming, trailing perennial herb in the genus Gentiana, part of the Gentianaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Gentiana lutea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock garden, cottage garden, patio and container plants and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Europe.
About
Gentiana lutea is a perennial herb reaching about 1.2 m, most notable for its yellow summer flowers. It belongs to the gentian family (Gentianaceae) and is native to Europe. Flowering runs from June to September. Plants form erect stems suited to exposed, sunny positions.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gentiana lutea
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 lutea is a tall, herbaceous perennial in the Gentianaceae, native to mountainous parts of Europe. It carries yellow blooms through the summer months, providing a vertical element at around 1.2 m. The species is placed within the genus Gentiana and is accustomed to open, exposed sites. Grow plants in full sun on soils that retain moisture without waterlogging; acceptable textures include sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they are moist but well-drained. Aim for neutral to alkaline soil reaction rather than acid conditions. Positioned on an exposed aspect it will tolerate wind and open conditions; its UK hardiness rating of H7 means it is fully hardy and will withstand typical UK winters. In the garden use Gentiana lutea where a tall, architectural perennial is required: sunny herbaceous borders, open banks or naturalistic schemes that favour summer-flowering perennials. Give room around the base so air circulates and the flowering stems can be seen at full height. The long June–September flowering period and upright habit make the plant useful where a sustained column of yellow bloom is needed in summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gentiana
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- Full sun
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Gentiana lutea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Habit
- Matforming, Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi-evergreen
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Cottage garden, Patio and container plants, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gentiana lutea
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, requires full sun exposure, slow growing
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Rust, Stem rot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gentiana lutea?
Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, requires full sun exposure, slow growing.
Where is the best place to plant Gentiana lutea?
Gentiana lutea prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Gentiana lutea need?
Gentiana lutea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Gentiana lutea grow?
Gentiana lutea reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Gentiana lutea hardy in the UK?
Gentiana lutea has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Gentiana lutea?
Seed, division.
