About
Developing from a rosette of small, oval leaves the brilliant blue flowers are trumpet-shaped, with five petal lobes, and appear from mid-summer into autumn. A very rare native annual, found only high up on a few Scottish mountains. Overall the plant reaches 5 to 15cm in height.
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, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Annual Biennial
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toEurasia & N. America
Care notes
CultivationA classic alpin,e revelling in bright light but requiring cool conditions, needing a steady water supply but also sharp drainage. Best grown in a controlled environment such as an alpine trough, rock garden, cold frame or alpine house
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free