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.
| Hardiness |
4 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Gentiana |
| Common names | Gentian |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
2" - 6" (5cm - 15cm) |
| Spread |
2" - 6" (5cm - 15cm) |
| Spacing | 6" (15cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| 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 |
| Hardiness |
4 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Gentiana |
| Common names | Gentian |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
2" - 6" (5cm - 15cm) |
| Spread |
2" - 6" (5cm - 15cm) |
| Spacing | 6" (15cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| 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 |
How many Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
