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 |
© 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 |