Gentian

RHS Genus Guide

Gentians are an iconic group, best known for their classic alpines with intensely blue flowers. However, the trumpet-shaped blooms also come in white and even yellow, and there are several taller species that extend their value in the garden. The alpines love a sunny rock garden or container-based display, whereas taller, late-flowering willow gentian thrives in a border with dappled shade.

Botanical name: Gentiana

Common name: gentian

RHS

Introducing Gentian

gentian 'Blue Silk'

Gentiana 'Blue Silk'

gentian 'Blue Silk'

Height: Up to 10cm
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

showy Chinese gentian 'Starlight'

Gentiana sino-ornata 'Starlight'

showy Chinese gentian 'Starlight'

Height: Up to 10cm
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

coarse gentian

Gentiana scabra

coarse gentian

Height: 0.5–1 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

willow gentian 'Alba'

Gentiana asclepiadea 'Alba'

willow gentian 'Alba'

Height: 0.5–1 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

gentian 'Alex Duguid'

Gentiana 'Alex Duguid'

gentian 'Alex Duguid'

Height: Up to 10cm
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

willow gentian

Gentiana asclepiadea

willow gentian

Height: 0.5–1 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

gentian 'Eugen's Bester'

Gentiana 'Eugen's Bester'

gentian 'Eugen's Bester'

Height: 0.1–0.5 metres
Width: 0.1–0.5 metres

Award of Garden Merit

Plants for pollinators