Gentiana sino-ornata 'Downfield'
showy Chinese gentian 'Downfield'
A low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial, with a basal rosette of lance-shaped, bright green leaves. In autumn, trailing stems bear narrowly trumpet-shaped, sky blue flowers with paler throats
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Blue | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Gentianaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing, Matforming
- Genus
Gentiana can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly with showy, trumpet or salver-shaped flowers
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in reliably moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid or neutral soil; will not tolerate drought or waterlogging. Thrives in locations with cool, damp summers, where it is best positioned in full sun; in areas with hot, dry summers these plants are best grown in afternoon shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails, and to aphids and red spider mite when grown under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to a rust, and to stem rot caused by soil fungus
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