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Gentiana verna 'Alba'

spring gentian 'Alba'

A diminutive evergreen perennial slowly forming a mat of narrowly ovate leaves to a height of just 4cm, with white flowers, opening in late spring and early summer

Synonyms
Gentiana verna subsp. pontica 'Alba'

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Gentianaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Gentiana can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly with showy, trumpet or salver-shaped flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in plenty of sun. Ideal for containers. See sink and trough gardening for more information

Propagation

Propagate by division after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust and soil fungal diseases

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