About

A perennial with trailing stems to 12cm in length, bearing narrow leaves and solitary, blue, funnel-shaped flowers shaded with violet outside, and up to 6cm in length, from late summer.

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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitTrailing
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Suitable for a rock garden
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division of offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids
Disease resistanceProne to root rot