About
A herbaceous perennial with trailing stems to 15cm in length, bearing narrow leaves and solitary, terminal, deep violet-blue, funnel-shaped flowers up to 5cm in length, with greenish stripes within.
About the genus
Gentiana can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly with showy, trumpet or salver-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in reliably moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid or neutral soil. Site in sun only where summers are cool and damp, otherwise site in partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division after flowering
Pest resistanceSlugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and aphids may be a problem
Disease resistanceProne to a rust and soil fungal diseases