Gentiana

Gentiana is a group of annuals, biennials and perennials that are found in the temperate, alpine and arctic regions in various parts of the world. These plants mostly produce various shades of blue flowers, but some produce white or yellow flowers. G. lutea (Great Yellow Gentian) is an upright growing perennial with large, lance- to elliptic-shaped, bluish-green leaves. The small, star-shaped, yellow flowers grow from the upper leaf axils in compact, whorled clusters with cupped, green bracts beneath. This plant grows 3 or 4 feet high. G. asclepiadea (Willow Gentian) has lance-shaped leaves, and in late summer and fall, produces trumpet-shaped flowers in the leaf axils towards the ends of the arching stems. The flowers are dark blue with spots and stripes on the inside.

Pot Cultivation

Grow the Gentians in fertile, humus-rich, moist soil that has good drainage. They should be placed in a sunny or partially shaded position.

Propagation

These plants may be divided in the spring, or seeds may be sown in the fall.