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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Gentiana acaulis

stemless gentian

An evergreen perennial forming a mat to 30cm in width, with paired, narrowly elliptic leaves and solitary deep blue, trumpet-shaped flowers 6cm in length, spotted green inside, borne on short erect stalks

Other common names
gentianella
large-flowered gentian
Synonyms
Gentiana kochiana

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Gentianaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Gentiana can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly with showy, trumpet or salver-shaped flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Suitable for a rock garden

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division of offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Ground cover
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids

Diseases

Prone to root rot

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