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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Gentiana paradoxa

Caucasian gentian

A compact, mat-forming perennial to 20cm tall. Upright stems are clothed in whorls of narrow leaves and terminate in clusters of upward-facing, trumpet flowers in late summer and autumn. The electric blue flowers have white throats with rows of purple spots

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Gentianaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Caucasus

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, lime-free soil or compost in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed

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

No pruning required

Pests

Slugs, snails and aphids may be seen

Diseases

Root rot may occur

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