Gentiana septemfida var. lagodechiana

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.

Crested gentian (or summer gentian) is another beautiful species of this popular perennial. It produces very handsome, narrowly trumpet-shaped flowers which raise their heads towards the sun and open only on a sunny day, from July until early October. Lagodechiana is a variety with flowers that are purple red outside, conspicuously veined inside, and the wide-open petal tips are almost indigo blue. Between the large lobes are tiny crests of dissected petal margins. Elliptic leaves are rather medium green which contrasts beautifully with dark blue flowers. The plant is only about 8 cm tall, compact, and makes short, procumbent stems.

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 which means that it will need at least some direct sunlight during the day. Summer gentian prefers neutral soil pH and is one of the easiest to grow. Hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 18-11-2020