Gentiana 'SHINE BLUE ASHIRO'

Gentian is one of the most beautiful perennials where the most sought after varieties bear blue flowers. Because their blue is true blue, bluer than the ocean, darker than the summer sky, almost like indigo. The family consists of more than 400 species which often hybridize among themselves. Ashiro is a beautiful Japanese series of compact varieties with rich colours bred by Dr.Hikage. British RHS encyclopaedia lists them as gentiana triflora which seems very unlikely due to their compact habit and shape of flowers. These gentians are represented in Europe by CNB New Plants from the Netherlands.

If you say gentian blue it is something like a promise. A promise of rich blue colour. Still, this term is often misused for shades that are far from gentian or even far from blue. However not a case of this fascinating novelty from Japan. Shine Blue Ashiro is a true and rich gentian blue autumn gentian. The colour is something between a dark blue sky and indigo. Narrowly trumpet-shaped flowers raise their heads towards the sun and open only in full sun, from midsummer until October. Elliptic leaves are rather light green which contrasts beautifully with dark blue flowers. The plant is very handsome being so compact and neat, almost ground-covering.

Gentian is a slow growing, mat-forming perennial requiring zero maintenance. Plant it in humus-rich, reliably moist but well-drained soil in full sun or only partial shade. Autumn flowering species require slightly acid soil. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 06-09-2018; 04-10-2018