Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 19th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Gentiana plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
At a Glance: Gentiana
- Plant Characteristics: Gentiana are renowned for their strikingly deep blue flowers. Their intense hue and tubular shape not only captivate the eye but also help to attract pollinators.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Locate in full sun to partial shade and provide a moist, well-draining soil. Some species will appreciate a slightly acidic pH.
- General Care: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. While cold-hardy, a protective mulch layer can benefit them in winter.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Gentians can be a bit challenging due to their specific soil and moisture needs, but the reward is a breathtaking blue bloom unlike any other. Patience and attention to its requirements can lead to successful cultivation.
Gentian: Cultivation & Garden Use
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. A commonly grown member of Gentiana in the garden is Gentian.
Gentiana acaulis by pizzodisevo.
How to Grow Gentian, Gentiana
It is probably easiest to grow Gentiana species such as Gentian from plants purchased from garden centers. 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 six to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) for most Gentiana varieties. Or at about 20 inches (50 cm) if you are growing a 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.
Caring for Gentiana
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 center. Alternatively, very carefully propagate by division once they have finished blooming.
Commonly Grown Gentiana Species
Gentiana andrewsii
Gentiana andrewsii (Bottle Gentian), photograph by Aaron Carlson; CC.
Gentiana scabra
Gentiana scabra (Japanese Gentian), picture by harum.koh; CC.
Gentiana lutea
Gentiana lutea (Great yellow gentian), Image by Joan Simon; CC.
Gentiana acaulis
Gentiana acaulis (Stemless gentian / Trumpet gentian), photograph by Alex Lomas; CC.
Gentiana clausa
Gentiana clausa (Closed Bottle Gentian), photograph by Doug McGrady; CC.
Gentiana verna
Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian), photograph by Björn S...; CC.
Commonly Grown Gentiana / Gentian Cultivars
'Blue Cross'
Gentiana 'Blue Cross' (Gentiana cruciata) photograph by xulescu_g; CC.
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Gentiana Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Gentian.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial
Height: 3 to 80 inches (8 to 200 cm).
Native: Worldwide.
Growing Region: USA Zones 3 to 9. UK H5 - very hardy.
Garden location: Rock gardens, Beds, Edges, window boxes, and containers.
Flowers: Species dependent: Summer and/or autumn.
Flower Details: Blue, white, creamy, purple, red, pink, yellow. Trumpets. Usually five petals; can vary from four to seven.
Foliage: Evergreen. Opposite. Elliptical. Lanceolate.
Sowing: Cover seed. Germination time: two weeks to six months. Spacing Small 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm); Large 14 to 24 inches (35 to 60 cm).
Seeds should first be sown into flats in the autumn. Next sink the flat into the ground in an area that offers shade, preferably close to a wall that faces north. Provide a glass/plastic covering. Keep an eye on the flats to ensure that the soil remains moist. After one year’s growth transfer seedlings to a peat pot. Transfer to the final location at the end of the second season of growth in the autumn.
Seed: Method 2: In the spring, mix seeds in a moist growing medium, place in a freezer bag, then stratify by refrigeration for two months. Transfer to a dark area and keep at Temperature: 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C). Once seedlings emerge transplant them to their final location.
Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial shade. Soil pH 5.0 to 7.5. Humus, moist soil. Keep soil moist by regular watering but do not drench. Propagate: by dividing at the start of spring in cool areas or following flowering in warmer areas.
Miscellaneous: Gentiana is used as a bitter flavoring in many drinks including Suze, Aperal, Bitters brew, Genziana, and Moxie.
Common Questions
How many members does the Gentiana genus have?
The Gentiana genus is quite large, with about 400 species.
Do members of Gentiana make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, the vibrant blue flowers of Gentiana, or Gentians, make them a standout choice for gardens.
Which Gentiana species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The species most commonly grown is Gentiana acaulis, also known as the Stemless Gentian.
Are members of the Gentiana plant genus fragrant?
Generally, Gentiana flowers are not noted for their fragrance.
What is the perfect location to grow Gentiana?
Gentiana prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. They often grow well in rock gardens.
Is Gentiana invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Gentiana is not listed as invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Gentiana plants from my garden?
To remove Gentiana, dig out the plant, making sure to remove as much of the root system as possible.
Summary
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.
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