About
Gentiana saxosa, the rock gentian, is a summer-flowering evergreen perennial from New Zealand with basal rosettes of fleshy, dark-green, spoon-shaped leaves, sometimes tinged brown-purple. White, bell-shaped flowers 2 cm long with faint green or purple-brown veining are produced on short, leafy stems from summer to autumn. A rewarding and distinctive gentian for a moist, well-drained 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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toNew Zealand
Care notes
CultivationPlant in moist, well-drained, humus rich soil. If summers are cool and damp, plant in full-sun. Shade preferred for hot sun and warm, dry summers. Would be suitable for rock and alpine gardens
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to soft rot