Gentiana ornata

RHS Plant Profile
decorated gentian

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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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
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
Correct
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. See gentian or small gentians for further advice

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