Gentiana acaulis (Stemless Gentian)
One of the most spectacular rock garden plants, award-winning Gentiana acaulis (Stemless Gentian) is an evergreen alpine perennial forming a slowly spreading mat of glossy, deep green, elliptical leaves. Sitting directly on top of the foliage, large, solitary rich blue, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. Facing upward, they reveal green-spotted throats.
One of the most spectacular rock garden plants, award-winning Gentiana acaulis (Stemless Gentian) is an evergreen alpine perennial forming a slowly spreading mat of glossy, deep green, elliptical leaves. Sitting directly on top of the foliage, large, solitary rich blue, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. Facing upward, they reveal green-spotted throats. Noted for its preference for cool-summer climates, this stunningly attractive plant is perfect for rock gardens or as a groundcover. The conspicuous beauty of its true blue color will not be passed by unnoticed!
- Winner of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 8-12 in. across (20-30 cm).
- Thrives in full sun or part shade, in moist, well-drained soils. Prefers afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
- Ideal as a groundcover, for garden edging, cottage gardens or rock gardens.
- Rabbit resistant.
- Watch for slugs, snails, aphids and root rot.
- Propagate by seed or division of offsets in spring.
- Native to the Alps, Carpathians and Pyrenees
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 5 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Gentiana – Gentians |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early) |
| Height | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
| Spread | 8" – 1' (20cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ (30cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |