Gentiana Strathmore (Gentian)

Noted for its sky blue flowers, award-winning Gentiana ‘Strathmore’ (Gentian) is a compact perennial forming a slowly spreading mat of narrow, pale green leaves borne on trailing stems. In late summer and fall, masses of solitary, light blue, funnel-shaped flowers, up to 2 in. long (5cm), are on display. Facing upward, they reveal white stripes down their throat.

Noted for its sky blue flowers, award-winning Gentiana 'Strathmore' (Gentian) is a compact perennial forming a slowly spreading mat of narrow, pale green leaves borne on trailing stems. In late summer and fall, masses of solitary, light blue, funnel-shaped flowers, up to 2 in. long (5cm), are on display. Facing upward, they reveal white stripes down their throat. Noted for its preference for cool-summer climates, this fall Gentian is an excellent subject for the rock garden, raised beds, or containers. A welcome addition to the fall garden.

  • 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 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, garden edging, underplanting shrubs or roses, cottage gardens, rock gardens, or containers.
  • Rabbit resistant.
  • Watch for slugs, snails, aphids and rust.
  • Propagate by division in spring.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 5
– 7

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 4"
– 6"
(10cm
– 15cm)
Spread 8"
– 1'
(20cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 12″ (30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage