Alphabetical Plant Listing

Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian)

Spring Gentian, Lucy of Teesdale


One of the great joys of the hardy alpine garden, Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian) is an evergreen perennial forming a slowly spreading mat of narrowly ovate, gray-green leaves. In mid-late spring to early summer, intense ultramarine blue, star-like flowers unfold from pyramid-shaped buds over several weeks. Facing upward, they reveal their five propeller-shaped petals and white throats. Generally short-lived, but readily replenished from cuttings or seeds, Spring Gentian is definitely worth trying. The flowers may be only 2-3 in. tall (5-7 cm), but the depth of their color will stop you in your tracks. One of the most sought after rock garden plants.

  • Grows up to 2-6 in. tall and wide (5-15 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun, in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils.
  • Ideal for garden edging, rock gardens or containers.
  • Rabbit resistant.
  • Watch for slugs, snails, aphids and rust.
  • Propagate by seed in containers in an open frame as soon as seed is ripe. Propagate by division or root offsets in spring.
  • Native to the European mountains eastward to Turkey and the Caucasus

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 7
Heat Zones 1 – 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Gentiana - Gentians
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2" – 6" (5cm – 15cm)
Spread 2" – 6" (5cm – 15cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Edging, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden

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© Martin Ogden and www.teddingtongardener.com, huandi / 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 4 – 7
Heat Zones 1 – 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Gentiana - Gentians
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2" – 6" (5cm – 15cm)
Spread 2" – 6" (5cm – 15cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Edging, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden

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