• 8 years ago
• Posted in:Uncategorized
• 0
• Author: erin boa-brown

Gentiana asclepiadea (willow gentian)

Family: Gentianaceae

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-7

Size:

• 10cm-50cm
• 50cm-1m tall

Form:

• Clump-forming

Soil & Water requirements:

• Will grow in general garden conditions but does best in moist to wet soil
• Will migrate toward moisture
• Well-drained
• Not great in open unless soil is rich and moist

Exposure:

• Partial shade
• Should be shaded from hottest sun; unless summer climate is cool and damp

Leaves:

• Born spirally on stem
• Lanceolate leaves
• Interesting posture
• Herbaceous perennial
• Leaves turn yellowish in fall

Flowers:

• Buds are distinct; dark blue and pointed; then opening into flowers
• Flowers are deep purple/blue and trumpet-shaped; great colour
• Five petals; broad, open tube; five recurved corolla lobes
• 4-5cm long
• Three week bloom in mid-summer

Suitable uses:

• Flower borders
• Rock gardens
• Cottage or informal gardens

Potential pairings:

• Salvia guaranitica (black-and-blue salvia)
• Colour contrasts: pinks; reds
• Colour compliments: purples; blues

Other:

• One of the easiest gentian to grow
• Best not to grow with aggressive perennials