About
A low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial with a basal rosette of lance-shaped, fresh green leaves. In late summer to early autumn, trailing stems with linear, recurved leaves bear narrowly trumpet-shaped, sky blue flowers with white throats and violet streaks on the outside.
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
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
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