In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Gentiana plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
Plants that belong to the Gentiana genus are low growing and mat forming hardy perennials.
They are evergreens that come into bloom from summer through to autumn.
Gentiana douglasiana - Swamp Gentian by pellaea.
When in bloom the flowers of Gentiana plants are clustered and may be blue, purple, pink, white or yellow.
Gentiana acaulis by pizzodisevo.
A commonly grown member of Gentiana in the garden is Gentian.
Gentiana andrewsii (Bottle Gentian), photograph by Aaron Carlson; CC.
Gentiana scabra (Japanese Gentian), picture by harum.koh; CC.
Gentiana lutea (Great yellow gentian), Image by Joan Simon; CC.
Gentiana acaulis (Stemless gentian / Trumpet gentian), photograph by Alex Lomas; CC.
Gentiana clausa (Closed Bottle Gentian), photograph by Doug McGrady; CC.
Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian), photograph by Björn S...; CC.
Gentiana 'Blue Cross' (Gentiana cruciata) photograph by xulescu_g; CC.
It is probably easiest to grow Gentiana species such as Gentian from plants purchased from garden centres. Even then these are not the easiest of plants to grow.
If you plan to grow Gentiana from seed then sow the seeds in flats in the spring.
Lightly cover the seeds; place the flats into a black plastic bag; place the flat into a fridge and chill at 4°C (39°F)for two months; remove the flat and keep in the dark at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees centigrade (68 to 77°F).
Gentiana species can take from two weeks to six months to germinate.
Once you have Gentiana seedlings transplant them into the garden in the autumn or spring at a spacing of 15 to 30 cm (6 to 1o inches) for most Gentiana varieties. Or at about 50 cm (20 inches) if you are growing one of the taller species.
Ideally Gentian should be grown in a sunny part of the garden, though most species of Gentiana can tolerate partial shade too.
The soil type is important for good results and should be moist, pH 5.5 to 7, cool, and rich in humus.
Not the easiest species to grow or look after, the Gentiana plant requires a moist soil, so water regularly but do not drench the plants.
Never disturb the roots or move the plants during the growing season.
If you require more Gentiana plants it is best to purchase them from a garden centre. Alternatively, very carefully propagate by division once they have finished blooming.
The Gentiana genus is quite large, with about 400 species.
Yes, the vibrant blue flowers of Gentiana, or Gentians, make them a standout choice for gardens.
The species most commonly grown is Gentiana acaulis, also known as the Stemless Gentian.
Generally, Gentiana flowers are not noted for their fragrance.
Gentiana prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. They often grow well in rock gardens.
Currently, Gentiana is not listed as invasive in the USA.
To remove Gentiana, dig out the plant, making sure to remove as much of the root system as possible.
The Gentiana genus, often referred to as Gentians, belongs to the Gentianaceae family. These perennials, native to temperate regions, are esteemed for their intense blue or violet trumpet-shaped flowers.
Plant Gentiana in the spring or fall in a location with full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH soil. Regular watering and feeding will encourage lush growth and vibrant blooms.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Gentiana plants. You may also enjoy the following guides to growing plants with nice leaves: Canna Plants, Coleus plants, Caladiums, and Hosta Plants.