Overview
Gentiana purpurea is a matforming, trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Gentiana, part of the Gentianaceae family, with semi-evergreen, deciduous foliage. Gentiana purpurea 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 purpurea, known as purple-flowered gentian, is a herbaceous perennial within the Gentiana genus, which is noted for its trumpet-shaped blooms. This matforming, trailing plant has semi-evergreen to deciduous foliage and thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring east, south, or west-facing aspects. It grows well in moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it suits rock gardens, containers, and borders, and is best planted out after the last frost in fertile soil. Propagation is by division in spring, with interest extending into winter.
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 purpurea 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 purpurea
- 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 purpurea?
Gentiana purpurea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Gentiana purpurea need?
Gentiana purpurea grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Gentiana purpurea hardy in the UK?
Gentiana purpurea 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 purpurea?
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
