Triosteum himalayanum

RHS Plant Profile
Himalayan gentian
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial to around 60cm high, with oval to elliptic, softly hairy leaves held in pairs along the stems. Small clusters of greenish yellow flowers with reddish-purple insides are produced in whorls around the tip of the stem in late spring and early summer, followed by whitish berries that ripen to red and persist into winter

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Bhutan India Nepal

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, ideally in light or part shade with shelter from cold winds. May tolerate full sun where soils are consistently moist. Ideal for a woodland garden

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame in spring, keep moist

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free