Gentiana acaulis (Stemless Gentian)
Stemless Gentian, Large-Flowered Gentian, Gentianella, Trumpet Gentian
One of the most spectacular rock garden plants, award-winning Gentiana acaulis (Stemless Gentian) is an evergreen alpine perennial forming a slowly spreading mat of glossy, deep green, elliptical leaves. Sitting directly on top of the foliage, large, solitary rich blue, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. Facing upward, they reveal green-spotted throats. Noted for its preference for cool-summer climates, this stunningly attractive plant is perfect for rock gardens or as a groundcover. The conspicuous beauty of its true blue color will not be passed by unnoticed!
- Winner of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 8-12 in. across (20-30 cm).
- Thrives in full sun or part shade, in moist, well-drained soils. Prefers afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
- Ideal as a groundcover, for garden edging, cottage gardens or rock gardens.
- Rabbit resistant.
- Watch for slugs, snails, aphids and root rot.
- Propagate by seed or division of offsets in spring.
- Native to the Alps, Carpathians and Pyrenees
Requirements
| Hardiness |
3 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
5 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Gentiana |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
4" - 6" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Spread |
8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
filmfoto / 123RF Stock Photo
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
3 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
5 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Gentiana |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
4" - 6" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Spread |
8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
