About
Gentiana verna, the spring gentian, is a diminutive, evergreen perennial slowly forming a mat of narrowly oval leaves, with solitary, erect, deep-sky-blue flowers with white throats opening in late spring and early summer. One of the most vivid and jewel-like of all alpine flowers, native to limestone grasslands and rocky habitats.
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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in plenty of sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in an open frame as soon as seed is ripe. Propagate by division or root offsets in spring
Pest resistanceSlugs and snails may be a problem outdoors. Under glass, watch out for aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGentian rust may be a problem and various soil fungi may cause stem rots