Gentiana ornata
decorated gentian
A low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial, with basal rosettes of ovate bright green leaves. In autumn, trailing stems with linear leaves bear pale blue, bell-shaped flowers at the tips, which are streaked with purple and cream on the outsides
Buy this plant
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 Cream Purple | 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 the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted, Trailing
- Genus
Gentiana can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly with showy, trumpet or salver-shaped flowers
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- Himalaya
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in reliably moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid or neutral soil. Site in sun where summers are cool and damp; in areas with warm, dry summers these plants are best grown in light or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.