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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Gentiana acaulis

stemless gentian

An evergreen perennial forming a mat to 30cm in width, with paired, narrowly elliptic leaves and solitary deep blue, trumpet-shaped flowers 6cm in length, spotted green inside, borne on short erect stalks

Other common names
gentianella
large-flowered gentian
Synonyms
Gentiana kochiana

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–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

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Suitable for a rock garden

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division of offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Ground cover
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids

Diseases

Prone to root rot

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