Gentiana asclepiadea (Willow Gentian)
One of the easiest Gentians to grow, award-winning Gentiana asclepiadea (Willow Gentian) is a clump-forming perennial with gracefully arching stems bearing lanceolate, willow-like, fresh green leaves. In late summer and fall, a profusion of trumpet-shaped, sapphire blue flowers, up to 2 in. long (5cm), appear in pairs or threes in the upper leaf axils.
One of the easiest Gentians to grow, award-winning Gentiana asclepiadea (Willow Gentian) is a clump-forming perennial with gracefully arching stems bearing lanceolate, willow-like, fresh green leaves. In late summer and fall, a profusion of trumpet-shaped, sapphire blue flowers, up to 2 in. long (5cm), appear in pairs or threes in the upper leaf axils. Perfect for dappled shade in a leafy, moist soil. Lovely with ferns and golden grasses, Willow Gentian is a welcome addition to the fall garden, where its brilliant blue blossoms will make glorious stands.
- Winner of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. across (45-60 cm).
- Thrives in full sun or part shade, in humus-rich, acid or neutral, moist, well-drained soils. Site in sun only where summers are cool and damp, otherwise site in partial shade.
- Ideal for beds and borders, underplanting shrubs or roses, cottage gardens or rock gardens.
- Rabbit resistant.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in an open frame as soon as seed is ripe.
- Native to central Europe eastward to the Caucasus and Northern Iran.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 6 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 6 – 9 |
| 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 | Summer (Late)Fall |
| Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18″ – 24″ (45cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |