Gentiana pneumonanthe

RHS Plant Profile
marsh gentian

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marsh gentian RHS
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Other common names

autumn bell flower, Calathian violet, harvest bells, lung flower

Herbaceous Perennial
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A perennial with erect stems to around 40cm tall, narrow, needle-like leaves and large, intense blue, tubular flowers in terminal clusters with petals streaked whitish-grey/green on the outside and spotted grey inside

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Gentianaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Gentiana can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly with showy, trumpet or salver-shaped flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe to C Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained, acid or neutral, humus-rich soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free