About
Gentiana ornata, the decorated gentian, is a low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial with basal rosettes of oval, fresh-green leaves. In autumn, trailing stems bear pale-blue, bell-shaped flowers at their tips, striped with purple and cream on the outsides. A charming and delicate autumn gentian for a moist, lime-free rock garden.
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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Alpine Rockery
HabitTufted, Trailing
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toHimalaya
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