Gentiana asclepiadea

RHS Plant Profile
willow gentian

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willow gentian RHS
willow gentian RHS
willow gentian RHS

Other common names

milkweed gentian

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Herbaceous Perennial
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An herbaceous perennial to 1m, with arching stems bearing lanceolate leaves. Trumpet-shaped, deep blue flowers 4-5cm in length, appear in the upper leaf axils in late summer and early autumn

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

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

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

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing
Exposure
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)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Gentianaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
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 Iran

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, humus-rich soil that is reliably moist but well-drained; avoid chalky soils. It needs shade from hot sun but in areas with cool, damp summers it can tolerate sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in an open frame as soon as seed is ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Rock garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required LJD

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free