trefle.io · Taken Apr 15, 2021 by padrós toni (cc-by-sa)
Gentianaceae
Spring gentian
Gentiana verna
Also known as vernal gentian, blue gentian, Gentiana verna, Ricoila verna
Native Plants · Alpine Plant · Rock Garden · Blue Flowers · Spring Bloomer · Mountain Plant · Trough Garden · European Native · Specialist Plant · Gentian · Rare Perennial
Spring gentian is a jewel of the alpine garden, producing intense electric-blue flowers in early spring, but it demands specific conditions to thrive. It requires gritty, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil and cool temperatures; it will not tolerate warm, humid summers or waterlogged roots. Best grown in a rock garden or trough with full sun exposure, it rewards patient gardeners who replicate its native mountain habitat.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 5 hours
- Watering
- Water gently to keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged; excellent drainage is essential · Every 7-10 days
- Maintenance
- High
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 7–7.5
- Temperature
- -30°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 4a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 6 in – 2 ft
- Spacing
- 6 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Fine
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Central European Rus, Czechoslovakia, East European Russia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, North Caucasus, North European Russi, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies
Sources: trefle, usda
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