Overview
Swertia petiolata is a garden plant in the genus Swertia, part of the Gentianaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Swertia petiolata tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6.
About
Swertia petiolata is a member of the gentian family (Gentianaceae) that favours moist to wet ground. It reaches about 0.6 m in height and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils. Flowering occurs from July to September. The species is rated H6 for UK hardiness and corresponds to USDA zones 6–9.
About the genus
Swertia is a genus in the gentian family containing plants sometimes referred to as the felworts. Some species bear very showy purple and blue flowers. Many members of this genus have medicinal and cultural purposes.
Wikipedia contributors, "Swertia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Swertia
In the garden
Swertia petiolata belongs to the genus Swertia within the gentian family (Gentianaceae) and typically attains around 0.6 m. The combination of its height and summer flowering period makes its presence noticeable in planting schemes without dominating them. Give this species soils that remain moist or seasonally wet; it handles sandy, loamy and clay textures provided moisture is available. In UK terms it is H6 — very hardy — and will tolerate winter conditions across much of the country; in North America the equivalent range is USDA zones 6–9. Those hardiness figures indicate it does not require greenhouse protection through an average UK winter. Use Swertia petiolata where soil stays reliably damp: the edge of a bog garden, a moisture-retentive perennial border or alongside slow-moving water are appropriate situations. It flowers from July to September, so position it where summer blooms are seen at close range; at roughly 0.6 m tall it fits well in the middle of the border rather than as a ground cover or tall backdrop.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Swertia
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Swertia petiolata size, habit and characteristics
- Height
- 0.6 m
Frequently asked questions
What soil does Swertia petiolata need?
Swertia petiolata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How big does Swertia petiolata grow?
Swertia petiolata reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Swertia petiolata hardy in the UK?
Swertia petiolata has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.