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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Gentiana saxosa

rock gentian

A summer flowering evergreen perennial. It has basal rosettes of fleshy, dark green spoon-shaped, sometimes linear, often with a brown-purple tinge. Between 1-5 flowers are found on short leafy stems. Flowers are white, 2cm long, bell-shaped, with faint green or purple-brown veining

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Plant nurseries
2 suppliers

Ultimate height

Up to 10cm

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0–0.1 metre

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full shade
Partial shade

Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Gentianaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Gentiana can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, mostly with showy, trumpet or salver-shaped flowers
Name status: Correct
Plant range: New Zealand

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant in moist, well-drained, humus rich soil. If summers are cool and damp, plant in full-sun. Shade preferred for hot sun and warm, dry summers. Would be suitable for rock and alpine gardens

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Gravel garden
Rock garden
Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to soft rot

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